Can Cats Have Peanut Butter?

Many dogs go wild over some good peanut butter. But do felines share an affinity with this human food? Can cats eat peanut butter? While it can be safely eaten in small amounts, the answer to the question is not as simple as black or white. Let’s get to know more about cats and peanut butter below.

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Content:

1. Can Cats Have Peanut Butter
2. Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter and Jelly
3. Can Cats Be Allergic to Peanut Butter
4. Conclusion

Can Cats Have Peanut Butter

Even though many cats might enjoy the taste of peanut butter, cat parents should steer clear of it. The fact is, peanut butter offers no real nutritional value for your feline friend. “It has a lot of empty calories”, says Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, and veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado. Cats, being obligate carnivores, don’t need it. Moreso, it can be harmful due to its fat content and artificial sweeteners, some of which are known to be toxic to cats. It can be especially problematic to those with health issues like diabetes or kidney problems.

Ingredients That Can Be Harmful for Cats

• Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is toxic to cats, so make sure to check food labels and steer clear of those that contain Xylitol. This artificial sweetener can cause vomiting, drooling, lethargy, balance issues, and seizures. In a Reddit discussion, one commenter, also a licensed veterinary technician, mentioned that Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia and liver damage in cats.
• Oil and Fat: Peanuts, technically legumes, are high in oil and fat, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems in cats. Nuts, including peanuts, are not pet-friendly and are among the top on the list of people foods discouraged from being fed to pets, according to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
• Sodium: Roasted peanuts often contain high levels of sodium, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and serious health issues in cats.

Feeding Peanut Butter to Cats

• Because of the health risks, it’s best to avoid giving peanut butter to your cat.
• If it's the only way to administer medicine, use a very small amount of all-natural peanut butter without xylitol.
• Remember, even a small portion of peanut butter can be too much, so keep it minimal—just a tiny lick is enough.

Alternatives to Peanut Butter

If you’re looking for alternatives to peanut butter, opt for treats with high nutritional value to supplement your cat’s diet. A good alternative is Petcube Pops, which aren’t just healthy and nutritious but yummy and a whole lot of fun too! Petcube Pops are simple baked treats made with 100% natural and human grade ingredients that you can trust. It comes in 3 flavors: Rabbit, Duck, and Pumpkin. In addition, each flavor is made with not more than 10 ingredients, where each piece only contains 2 calories. This fares well with cats who are picky eaters or have sensitive stomachs.

Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter and Jelly

Avoid feeding cats peanut butter and jelly. Peanut butter is high in fat and might contain harmful sweeteners, while jelly just adds extra sugar and empty calories. Together, they increase the risk of toxicity and offer no nutritional benefits for your feline friend.

Can Cats Be Allergic to Peanut Butter

Cats may also be susceptible to allergies, just like humans. And yes, peanut allergies in cats are possible. Severity of allergies may vary, with signs ranging from itchiness, vomiting, and in worse cases, anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is an emergency, so it is important to seek immediate medical attention when our pet exhibits this symptom. And because such emergencies may come unexpectedly, it helps for us pet parents to be prepared in the event that such situations occur. Petcube’s Pet Emergency Fund provides the support that both pets and pet owners need during times of pet emergencies, offering $3000 per year for pet emergencies of upto 6 pets. A subscription also comes with an access to their online vet service for first aid guidance, emergency triage, and professional advice and support.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking of giving your cat some peanut butter, consult with your veterinarian first, especially if they have underlying conditions. Take into consideration that peanut butter doesn’t provide any nutritional value to your pet and may also come with risks. If, however, you want to offer it to help administer medications for example and you have had approval from your vet, giving just a small amount (without Xylitol in the ingredients) may be enough.