Peanut butter is an exceptionally popular snack option for dogs. Why isn’t it for cats? Can cats eat peanut butter? Is it healthy for them? What are the dangers of serving peanut butter to your cat? How can you safely feed it to them?
Read on and learn more about cats eating peanut butter.
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
The short answer is yes, as long as they eat it safely. Just like with dogs, peanut butter is an exceptionally delicious treat, but due to its sweetness, it can be harmful if your cat overindulges in it.
Dangers of Peanut Butter in Cats
Peanut butter can cause minor and major health risks in your cat if you aren’t cautious. The following are the potential dangers that your feral baby may encounter if they eat peanut butter without taking the right safety measures:
- Allergic reaction to nuts
- Choking
- Liver disease
- Obesity
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting & Diarrhea
- Xylitol poisoning
In addition to this, your cat may fall victim to accidental poisoning. Peanut butter is used as bait to make traps to catch mice. Thus, if you have an outdoor cat, avoid giving them peanut butter. If you don’t introduce it to their diet and encourage them to eat it, they may be less likely to be appealed by it.
| Cat insurance from From | Dog insurance from | Coverage | Contribution | Own risk | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
€8.46 | €12.11 | €3.250 — €6.000 | 10% — 50% | €0 — €150 per year |
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€14.05 | €17.77 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | €30 — €50 per year |
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|
€12.16 | €17.42 | €3.000 — €5.000 | 20% — 50% | €0 — €250 per year |
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|
€13.27 | €20,14 | €3.000 — €6.000 | 20% | none | View |
|
€13.86 | €14.67 | €2.500 — €5.000 | 20% | none | View |
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€10.56 | €13.14 | €3.500 | 25% | €25 per claim |
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How to Safely Serve Peanut Butter to your Cat
Given all the aforementioned risks of giving peanut butter to your cat, it is important to know the right way to serve it. Remember, cats can eat peanut butter. However, it must be 100% pure peanut butter with the absence of xylitol, additives, and other poisonous ingredients. When buying peanut butter, look out for the following ingredients:
- sugar
- salt
- preservatives
- macadamia and other poisonous nuts to cats
- trans fats or hydrogenated oils
- xylitol
In addition to the type of peanut butter, look for a smooth spread. Peanut butter with peanut chunks can be a choking hazard.
Secondly, pay attention to moderation. With the right amount of serving, you can avoid many of the major aforementioned risks such as arthritis, obesity, and stomach upset. Do not give your cat more than half a tablespoon of peanut butter. Moreover, do not serve them more than twice a week.
Lastly, some cats may show signs of allergies towards nuts. Make sure you monitor them after giving them peanut butter and watch out for any signs of stomach upset.
Tip! Do you need to give a tablet to your cat, but they won’t let you? Hide it in a small serving of peanut butter and give it to them as a treat!
Final Words
Cats can eat peanut butter, but they don’t really need it in their diet. For this reason, you can easily look into other healthier human snacks for cats such as oatmeal, carrots, or blueberries. Further, it is essential to know which brand of peanut butter is good for them and to keep their servings small, so that it doesn’t cause them any harm.
Still looking for answers about feeding your cat peanut butter? Schedule an instant video consultation with our qualified veterinarians and get tailored advice from the comfort of your home – today.