Most cat owners would happily give a bit of their food to their cats. They won’t consider its consequences. So, when it comes to offering pistachios to your cat, you would feel like it’s not a big deal. But you are wrong as it is harmful. So, can cats eat pistachios? You’ll find out below.
Can Cats Eat Pistachios?
Pistachios belong to the family of nuts. Though they aren’t poisonous or toxic to cats, they aren’t healthy either. Anything other than animal protein isn’t too nutritious for cats.
Pistachios are considered a delightful snack for humans. They have decent health benefits for us. A drink and some nuts on a cool day, and you’ll enjoy your evening. But they can be risky for your furry friends.
Cats, as you would know, are not carnivores. But obligate carnivores. This means that they depend extensively on meat. They get the nutrients, protein, and vitamins from animal meat. Plant food doesn’t give cats enough nutrients.
So, nuts and other plant foods act less as healthy food and more as filler food. As such, their diet contains more meat products. Thus, you mustn’t give a lot of plant-based proteins to your cats. It wouldn’t be beneficial.
Nuts are rich in fat, carbohydrates, and fiber. But, they are difficult for a cat to digest. Ingesting a substantial amount of them would result in stomach aches, acidity problems, and weight gain.
So, can cats eat pistachios? No, we wouldn’t advise you to give nuts to your cats. It might prove to be dangerous. As you read further, you’ll know the other risks and why they could be harmful.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Nuts have high fiber. Fiber-rich foods are good for people suffering from digestion problems. In addition, they help in weight loss, controlling blood pressure, and relieving constipation.
However, this is not the case with cats. A high-fiber diet can lead to diarrhea and eventually dehydration. Low levels of fiber are good for cats, but a lot of it can cause issues.
Also, nuts can be difficult to break down for your cat’s digestive system. The result of ingestion is acidity issues and bloating.
Pancreatic Issues
Apart from the fiber content, pistachios are also rich in fats and carbohydrates. Fats help in gaining energy and heat retention. And that is why it is a delicacy in winter.
However, this is not beneficial for cats. They don’t require a lot of fat in their regular diet. Eating pistachios could lead to weight gain and, thus, obesity issues.
Another danger of this high-fat food is that it can lead to pancreatitis in adverse situations.
Pancreatitis happens when your pancreas doesn’t secrete digestive juices. It can affect the tissues of the pancreas itself, leading to inflammation. Symptoms include stomachache, bowel changes, etc. It requires early medical attention.
Choking And Blocking Hazards
Since the pistachios are difficult to digest, they might get stuck in the intestines of the cats. As a result, stomach/abdominal pain and discomfort are common symptoms.
Your cat might have to suffer for some time before the nut is excreted. In severe cases, this blockage could be fatal. So, it’s better to approach a vet as soon as possible.
There are chances of choking on the pistachio shells as well. For example, your cat might eat the shells along with the nuts. These shells could then get stuck in the windpipe and choke your cat.
So, your cat should stay away from pistachios. The safest answer is that cats eat pistachios would be no.
Summary
Getting your cat to taste pistachios might be tempting. But you have to ask yourself – can cats eat pistachios? I guess this article has given you the answer.
1-2 pistachios might be ok, but frequent treats could be harmful. It can cause obesity, indigestion, stomach aches, and acidity. Therefore, it is advisable to stick to an established diet only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cats Eat Almonds?
Almonds are also nuts. They will not provide any nutritional value. It’s not dangerous if you give 1-2 almonds to your cat. But higher quantities can be harmful. It can cause digestive upset, stomachache, diarrhea, etc.
Sweet almonds are not toxic, while bitter ones are. Bitter almonds can lead to cyanide poisoning in the worst cases. So, it is better if your cat doesn’t eat almonds.
What Nuts Are Toxic to Cats?
As mentioned earlier, nuts are extremely healthy for humans. However, the proteins, fibers, and fats present in them are not beneficial to cats. They can lead to indigestion and pancreatitis. Nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts should be kept away from cats.
What Foods Are Poisonous to Cats?
Cats have a unique digestive system. They can’t eat a lot of human food. As a result, the most common foods are poisonous for cats. Alcohol, chocolate, garlic, onion, grapes, garlic, milk and dairy products, and yeast dough are toxic foods.
