Can Cats Eat Almonds: Facts and Fiction

We humans are used to giving our pet anything we think is tasty, healthy or harmless, including almonds.

So how healthy are almonds for your cute and sweet cat? Are almonds toxic to cats? Or will they die if they consume almonds?

To answer all these questions, we decided to dig deeper into the effects of almonds on cats. So, shall we begin our quest for these answers? (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Authentic Information on Cat Food

First, let’s take a look at some original sources of pet food guides to find out if almonds are harmful to our furry friends – because the internet is conflated with information that turns into misinformation when a layperson advises on sensitive health issues. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Almonds Toxic to Cats: Myth or Fact?

By now, you might have learned that almonds are listed as potentially dangerous foods by the CVMA and ASPCA. So does that mean it’s toxic? In short, the truth is that sweet almonds sold and eaten in homes in the United States are not toxic to cats. So the legend collapsed.

On the other hand, bitter almonds, which are not usually consumed at home, contain a cyanide compound that is considered toxic to cats. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Health Risks Your Cat Can Get By Consuming Almonds

As mentioned above, sweet almonds are not toxic, but they can pose health problems in your cat’s gut. Let’s describe the potential health problems your cat may face if she eats almonds.

Even if the cat does not consume large amounts of almonds, there is a possibility that his stomach will be upset. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Diarrhea

Normally cats poop twice a day. If the cat’s stool is too liquid, its intestines are absorbing less water than necessary, which means diarrhea. If he’s pooping more than twice, it’s time to talk to your vet. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Vomiting

Another problem your cat may encounter is vomiting, as almonds contain fats that are not suitable for your cat’s digestive system. Therefore, anything that goes against their system is immediately expelled by the stomach. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an organ that produces enzymes to aid in the digestion of food. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the condition is called pancreatitis.

Even worse is when it happens; often accompanied by inflammation of the intestines and liver. Acute pancreatitis can take a mild or severe hemorrhagic form. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Cyanide Poisoning

Unlike sweet almonds, bitter almonds are dangerous for cats because they contain cyanogenic glycosides: natural toxins similar to those found in cherries.
Consuming large amounts of bitter almonds can expose your cat to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms include larger or enlarged pupils, stomach upset, or hyperventilation. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Sodium-ion Toxicities or Salt Poisoning

Salt poisoning happens due to suddenly swallowing too much salt without making up for it with enough water. It’s okay if your cat has eaten roasted almonds. Roasted almonds are rich in sodium chloride, which the digestive system of cats cannot accept. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Can Cats Drink Almond Milk?

Cats love milk, we all know it. But what if your cat has switched to almond milk. Is it dangerous? Let’s explore it. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Studies on almonds have revealed that almond milk is lactose-free, which causes problems for some cats.

Also important is that it does not contain substances that can be toxic to cats.

So, can your cat eat almonds? No, of course, but almond milk can be given. However, it is still highly recommended that you continue to monitor your cat when she switches from milk to almond milk. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Before we end, here are some sources on which our Can Cats Can Eat Almonds recommendations are based:

Let’s see if the FDA and some pet associations say cats can eat almonds. FDA’s View on Almonds as Cat Food.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a list of potentially dangerous foods for pets. Foods are categorized as Edible, Non-Edible, and Plants and Flowers that pose a threat to pets, including cats. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

According to the FDA, toxicity varies from substance to substance. Some are mildly toxic, while others are quite dangerous and even kill the animal.

Regarding the consumption of almonds by cats, the FDA counts almonds as a particularly harmful food and requests that the cat contact the veterinarian or pet poison control center if they consume it. How dangerous this is, however, is a question that is not answered here. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

ASPCA’s view on Almonds as Cat Food

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first North American humane society for animals. And today, it is the largest in the world.

The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center chalks up a list of human foods unsuitable for pet consumption. He mentions that almonds, walnuts and walnuts contain many fats and oils that a carnivorous animal such as a cat cannot easily digest. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

CVMA’s View on Almonds and Cat:

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the association of Canadian veterinarians that promotes animal welfare and optimal care for animals and their environment.

CVMA recently published an article titled “Cats and Essential Oils” describing our commonly used oils for cats. Among the other 28 oils, it was identified as almond oil, which is potentially toxic to cats. Toxicity symptoms include dullness, lethargy, weakness, difficulty walking, etc. (Can Cats Eat Almonds)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it OK to give a cat almond milk?

Although almond milk contains no milk at all, it can cause stomach upset in cats due to the extra calories. Therefore, it is fine to drink almond milk occasionally, but making it a habit is not healthy.

2. Can cats eat almond butter?

Almond oil acts the same way almonds do in cats. Both are not harmful in small amounts, but large amounts are unsuitable for the cat’s digestive system. Almond oil is somewhat harmful as it contains more oil than raw almonds.

3. What nuts are poisonous to cats?

Nuts that are harmful to cats include Macadamia nuts, walnuts, and a few more. The reason macadamia nuts are harmful is that they cause lethargy, tremors, hyperthermia, and vomiting in cats.

The Bottom Line

Although almonds are beneficial for humans, they are in no way suitable for cat consumption. Sweet almonds commonly found in our homes are not poisonous. So, if your cat eats an almond or two, you don’t have to worry as long as they don’t show any digestive issues as this is not a normal diet for them.

However, bitter almonds are poisonous and should be avoided altogether.

Have you or a friend’s cat ever consumed almonds? If yes, how did he react? Did you panic or? Let us know in the comment section.

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