By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Most cats show no interest in peanuts at all, and that is a good thing. Cats are obligate carnivores, built to run on animal protein and fat, and they cannot even taste sweetness. A plain peanut is not poisonous to a cat, but it is a hard, dry, fatty legume that a cat's body has little use for. The cats that do get into trouble with peanuts are usually young, playful cats batting them across the floor, or cats licking salty and flavoured snack dust off a plate.
Key takeaways
- Plain peanuts are not toxic to cats, but they are not a suitable treat.
- Cats are obligate carnivores and get their nutrients from animal-based foods.
- Whole peanuts can be a choking or obstruction risk for cats, especially kittens.
- Salted, spiced, honey roasted and chocolate coated peanuts carry extra risks.
- Peanut butter is sticky, fatty and best avoided. Check any spread for xylitol, which is a concern for pets.
- Related: macadamia nuts and cats, vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
Why cats and peanuts are a poor match
A cat's digestive system is short and designed for meat. Cats have a high requirement for protein and certain nutrients such as taurine and preformed vitamin A, which come from animal tissue. Peanuts are a plant protein and do not supply what cats need. Researchers have also shown that cats lack a working sweet taste receptor, which goes some way to explaining why cats are not drawn to sugary or nutty snacks the way dogs are.
That does not stop some cats. Cats investigate with their mouths, and a rolling peanut on a tiled floor is a perfect prey substitute. Many peanut incidents in cats happen during play rather than at the dinner table.
What can go wrong
Choking and obstruction. A whole peanut, or a piece of shell, can lodge in the throat or, if swallowed, contribute to a blockage in a small cat or kitten. Signs include gagging, retching, drooling and repeated attempts to swallow.
Stomach upset. The fat and fibre can cause vomiting or diarrhoea in cats that are not used to them.
Salt. Salted peanuts and the salty coating on snack mixes are more concentrated for a four kilogram cat than for a person. Excess salt can cause thirst, vomiting and, in large amounts, more serious problems.
Seasonings. Barbecue, chilli and satay flavours can contain onion and garlic. Cats are particularly sensitive to onion and garlic, which can damage red blood cells.
Chocolate coatings. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine. Cats rarely eat much chocolate, but small cats do not need much to become unwell.
Peanut butter. Thick, sticky spreads can be hard for a cat to swallow. Some specialty spreads may contain xylitol, so read the label of anything a cat may lick.
Signs to watch for
- Gagging, retching, drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Not eating, hiding or seeming flat
- Excessive thirst after a salty snack
- Restlessness, a racing heart or tremors after chocolate
- Pale gums, weakness or fast breathing (possible onion or garlic effects, which can be delayed by a few days)
When it is an emergency
Get your cat to a vet straight away if they are choking, open mouth breathing, or struggling to breathe. Also seek urgent care if your cat vomits repeatedly, cannot keep water down, stops eating for more than a day, collapses, trembles, or if the snack contained chocolate, onion or garlic seasoning, or macadamias. Cats hide illness well, so a quiet cat that is hiding after eating something unusual deserves a call to the vet. The Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) can also advise. Do not try to make a cat vomit at home.
How vets assess and treat it
Your vet will ask what your cat ate and when, then examine the mouth, throat and belly. If an obstruction is suspected, X-rays or ultrasound may be needed, and some foreign bodies are removed with an endoscope or surgery. For stomach upset, care is usually supportive, such as fluids and anti-nausea medicine where appropriate. If a toxic ingredient is involved, the vet will decide whether decontamination is safe and useful. Every case is assessed individually.
Better treats for cats
- Small pieces of plain cooked chicken or fish without bones or seasoning
- Freeze-dried meat treats made for cats
- A portion of your cat's usual food used in a puzzle feeder
- Play sessions with a wand toy, which many cats value as much as food
Keep treats to a small share of your cat's daily intake so they do not unbalance a complete diet.
Keeping peanuts away from cats
- Do not leave bowls of nuts on low tables.
- Sweep up dropped peanuts and shells after parties.
- Give playful cats proper toys to chase instead.
- Wipe down plates and benches after salty snacks.
FAQ
My cat ate one plain peanut. Is that a problem?
Usually not. Watch for gagging, vomiting or a change in appetite over the next day.
Can cats eat peanut butter?
It is not recommended. It is sticky, high in fat and offers cats nothing they need. Never share a spread you have not checked for xylitol.
Are peanuts good protein for cats?
No. Cats need animal protein. Peanut protein does not meet their needs.
Can cats be allergic to peanuts?
It is not common. Any new food can upset a sensitive cat. Talk to your vet about itching or gut signs.
Talk with a vet
If your cat has eaten something from the snack bowl and you are unsure how worried to be, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you check the ingredients and decide on next steps. 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.
- Li X, et al. Pseudogenization of a sweet-receptor gene accounts for cats' indifference toward sugar. PLoS Genetics. 2005.
- 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.