Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter? - LEARN MORE

​Your little bundle of joy is sitting at your feet, staring at you with those adorable eyes. But of course, you know what they are after; they want your peanut butter snack. It's not easy to say no, but at the same time,  you only want what's best for your cat. So this may leave you wondering, can cat's eat peanut butter? 

Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?

​Ideally, it's best to avoid giving your cats peanut butter and foods containing it because it poses more health risks than health benefits. However, if you are determined to give your cat peanut butter, it's best to understand its possible threat to your cat. 

Is Peanut Butter Safe for Cats?

ether peanut butter is safe for your cat can vary depending on many factors. Not all kinds of peanut butter have the same ingredients, and just like people, not all cats are the same. Let's take a look at a few potential health risks. 
 
Xylitol Poisoning:
If the ingredients contain xylitol (a sugar replacement), your cat must avoid this food. Xylitol can be highly toxic to cats. If your cat has ingested peanut butter with xylitol, it's time to seek immediate help. It can be poisonous to your cat, so you need to take quick action. Sadly if your cats ingest even a small amount of xylitol, it can cause hypoglycemia. Also, liver damage is not uncommon if your pet survives the exposure.

Allergies:
You know that humans get allergies to peanuts. But, it would be interesting for you to know that it can even be allergic to cats. Like in humans, the severity of the allergies can range from itchy skin (bumps on the head, neck, and other areas) to life-threatening anaphylaxis. So, it would be best to let your vet examine your cat to determine any allergies. 

Gastrointestinal Upset:
Some cats harbor a sensitive digestive system, and eating peanut butter can lead to a gastrointestinal upset. A few related signs to look out for are: 

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Lethargy
• General stomach pains

Also, when feeding any new food items for the first time to your cats, it's good to give them a small amount and observe them over time. 

Choking Hazard:
Peanut butter has a thick sticky consistency; thus, it would be hard for the cat to swallow, and it can get caught in your cat's throat. 

Weight Gain:
Peanut butter is a calorie-dense food. Indoor cats are prone to weight gain for their lack of exercise. Therefore, it's essential to maintain a healthy weight for your cat. Excessive weight can lead to other health problems. 

There are more risks involved! So, when you understand it won't be an excellent food for your cat to consume, then it may be most acceptable for them to avoid it in the first place.​

​Conclusion

It's best to avoid giving your cat peanut butter as it can cause more harm than good. However, if you are insistent on sharing this treat with your best friend, look at any potential risk that could harm your cat and try to mitigate it.