By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A cat that sniffs a Brazil nut and walks away has made the right call. Brazil nuts are not poisonous to cats, but they are large, hard, oily and naturally packed with selenium, and none of that suits a small obligate carnivore. Most cats will never eat one. The ones that do tend to be kittens or playful adults who chew on a nut they have been batting around, or cats that lick oily crumbs from a nut platter.
Key takeaways
- Brazil nuts are not listed as toxic to cats, but they are not an appropriate food.
- Cats are obligate carnivores and get no nutritional benefit from nuts.
- Chewed pieces can be a choking hazard, and larger pieces may cause a gut obstruction.
- The high fat content can cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Brazil nuts contain a lot of selenium, which a complete cat food already provides.
- Related: vomiting and diarrhoea in cats, signs of poisoning in cats.
Why a cat would bother
Cats rarely seek out nuts for flavour. They lack a functioning sweet taste receptor and are drawn instead to the smell of animal protein and fat. Brazil nuts are oily, though, and the shells and nuts roll in a way that triggers play. A kitten may gnaw on one like a toy. An adult cat may pick at a broken piece left on the bench. That is usually where the trouble starts.
The main risks
Choking. Pieces of a chewed Brazil nut, or of its hard shell, can lodge at the back of the throat. Signs include gagging, retching, drooling and pawing at the mouth.
Obstruction. A cat's intestine is narrow. Larger fragments that are swallowed can get stuck, especially in kittens.
Fat. Brazil nuts are mostly fat. A cat that is not used to fatty food may vomit or develop diarrhoea. Repeated fatty treats also add calories, and many Australian indoor cats are already carrying extra weight.
Selenium. Selenium is an essential mineral, but cats need only trace amounts and a complete commercial diet already includes it. Brazil nuts contain unusually high and variable levels. A single nibble is not a selenium crisis, but they should never be used as a "natural supplement" for cats.
Salt and flavourings. Salted or seasoned mixed nuts can contain onion or garlic powder, which are harmful to cats, and chocolate coated nuts add theobromine and caffeine.
Signs to watch for
- Gagging, coughing or retching
- Drooling or repeated licking of the lips
- Vomiting, especially if your cat keeps trying to vomit with nothing coming up
- Diarrhoea
- Not eating, hiding, or sitting hunched
- Straining in the litter tray with little result
When it is an emergency
Take your cat to a vet immediately if they are choking, breathing with their mouth open, or struggling to breathe. Also seek urgent care if your cat vomits repeatedly, will not eat for more than a day, has a tender belly, seems very flat or hides and will not come out. Cats often mask illness until they are quite unwell, so trust your instincts. If the nuts were salted, seasoned or chocolate coated, or you are not sure what your cat ate, contact your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738). Never try to make a cat vomit at home.
How vets diagnose and treat it
Your vet will examine your cat's mouth and throat, which may need sedation in a stressed cat, and feel the belly for pain or a firm object. X-rays or ultrasound may be used to look for a blockage. Small items in the stomach can sometimes be removed with an endoscope, while an intestinal obstruction may need surgery. Mild stomach upsets are managed with supportive care chosen for your cat. The vet will tailor the plan to what they find.
Safer treats for cats
- Small pieces of plain cooked chicken, turkey or fish without bones, skin or seasoning
- Freeze-dried meat or fish treats made for cats
- A spoon of your cat's usual wet food in a lick mat or puzzle feeder
- Cat grass for cats that like to chew plants
Treats should be a small share of your cat's daily food so the main diet stays balanced.
Cat-proofing the nut bowl
- Keep nut bowls covered or up high, particularly over Christmas.
- Offer playful cats proper chase toys so they are less tempted by rolling nuts.
- Sweep up shells and broken pieces after cracking nuts.
FAQ
My cat licked a Brazil nut. Is that dangerous?
Licking a plain nut is very unlikely to cause harm. Watch for drooling or stomach upset.
Can Brazil nuts give my cat selenium poisoning?
Not from a single nibble. The concern is regular feeding on top of a diet that already contains selenium.
Are Brazil nuts good for a cat's coat?
No. A complete and balanced cat food supports skin and coat. Ask your vet about any coat concerns.
Is Brazil nut milk or butter OK for cats?
It is not recommended. It is fatty, offers no benefit and may contain added sugars or sweeteners.
Talk with a vet
If your cat has chewed on something from the nut bowl and you are unsure what to watch for, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide whether your cat needs to be seen. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Gastrointestinal Obstruction in Small Animals.
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee. Global Nutrition Guidelines.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.