By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Hazelnuts are round, smooth and roll beautifully across a floorboard, which makes them more appealing to a cat as a toy than as food. A plain hazelnut is not poisonous to cats. The real concerns are a hard nut lodging in a small throat, a fatty snack upsetting a sensitive stomach, and the fact that most hazelnut foods in the house are chocolate spreads, pralines and festive treats rather than plain nuts.
Key takeaways
- Plain hazelnuts are not toxic to cats, but they are not a suitable cat food.
- Whole hazelnuts, and pieces of shell, can cause choking or a gut obstruction, particularly in kittens.
- Their high fat content can cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Chocolate hazelnut spreads and chocolates contain cocoa, which is toxic to cats, plus a lot of sugar and fat.
- Treats made with hazelnut liqueur contain alcohol, which is dangerous for cats.
- Related: chocolate and cats, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
Why hazelnuts are wrong for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores. They need nutrients found in animal tissue, such as taurine, arachidonic acid and preformed vitamin A, and their gut is adapted to a meat-based diet. Hazelnuts offer plant fat, fibre and some plant protein, none of which a cat requires. Cats cannot taste sweetness either, so the appeal of a hazelnut treat is usually the fat, the smell or the fun of chasing it.
The physical risks
Choking. A hazelnut is close to the size of a cat's throat. A cat that picks one up in play and swallows it may gag, retch or choke.
Obstruction. A whole nut, or pieces of the hard shell, can pass into the stomach or intestine and get stuck. Kittens and small cats are most at risk.
Dental damage. Cats occasionally crack or chip teeth biting on hard objects. Drooling or pawing at the mouth after chewing a nut is worth checking.
The ingredients that travel with hazelnuts
- Chocolate hazelnut spreads. These usually contain cocoa, sugar, palm oil and milk powder. Cocoa contains theobromine and caffeine, which cats do not process well.
- Chocolates and pralines. Higher cocoa content means higher risk.
- Hazelnut liqueur desserts and coffee syrups. Alcohol is dangerous for cats in small amounts. Some sugar-free syrups may contain sweeteners, so check labels.
- Hazelnut milk and creamers. Often sweetened and of no value to a cat.
- Salted or flavoured mixed nuts. Salt and seasonings such as onion or garlic powder are harmful to cats.
Signs to watch for
- Gagging, retching, drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite or hiding
- Restlessness, fast breathing, a racing heart or tremors (possible chocolate)
- Wobbliness, sleepiness or low body temperature (possible alcohol)
- Straining in the litter tray with little produced
When it is an emergency
Go to a vet immediately if your cat is choking, breathing with an open mouth or struggling to breathe. Seek urgent care if your cat licked or ate chocolate hazelnut spread, chocolates or anything containing alcohol, or if they vomit repeatedly, stop eating, become weak or tremble. Because cats often hide pain, a cat that suddenly goes quiet and hides after chewing something deserves prompt attention. The Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) can help in Australia. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.
How vets assess and treat it
Your vet will examine your cat's mouth, teeth and throat and feel the belly. Imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound can show whether a nut or shell is lodged in the gut. Some objects can be retrieved with an endoscope, while others need surgery. For possible chocolate or alcohol exposure, the vet will assess heart rate, temperature and blood sugar and decide on decontamination and supportive care. Treatment is individual to each cat.
Better treats for cats
- Plain cooked chicken or fish pieces, boneless and unseasoned
- Freeze-dried meat treats made for cats
- A small amount of your cat's usual wet food in a puzzle feeder
- Treat balls that dispense dry food during play
Keep treats to a small part of the daily diet so your cat still gets complete nutrition from their main food.
Safer play
Many hazelnut incidents happen because a cat is bored and finds something that rolls. Offer play outlets instead:
- Short wand toy sessions, ending with a "catch"
- Ping pong balls or larger toy balls that cannot be swallowed
- Cardboard boxes and paper bags with handles removed
Store nuts in sealed jars and sweep up shells after cracking hazelnuts, particularly around Christmas and Easter.
FAQ
My cat licked some chocolate hazelnut spread off a knife. Is that serious?
Small licks are often low risk, but cats are small and sensitive. Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline with the product and amount.
Can cats eat hazelnut butter?
It is not recommended. It is very fatty and sticky. Some spreads contain sugar or sweeteners.
Is a hazelnut toxic to cats?
No. Plain hazelnuts are not toxic. The risks are choking, obstruction and stomach upset.
My kitten swallowed a hazelnut but seems fine. What now?
Call your vet for advice. Watch closely for vomiting, appetite loss or a sore belly over the next few days.
Talk with a vet
If your cat has swallowed something hard or tasted a chocolate treat, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide whether your cat needs to be seen urgently. 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.
- Pet Poison Helpline. Chocolate.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Gastrointestinal Obstruction in Small Animals.
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.