Can Cats Eat Cashews? (A Vet’s Suggestions)

Yes, cats can eat cashews in moderation. But it’s important to understand that not all nuts are appropriate for cats, and cashews in particular should only be given as a special treat.

Cashews are high in fat and phosphorus which can cause digestive issues if eaten in large quantities. Also, since they’re so small, it’s best to chop them up into smaller pieces before offering them to a cat. Cats should never be given salted, roasted, or flavored cashews because of the added sodium.

So here in this blog post, I’ll discuss the is there any benefits of feeding your cat cashews, how to prepare and serve them safely, and any risks associated with eating this nut. So sit back, relax, and let’s learn more about why cats can eat cashews in moderation!

What Do Different Studies Say about Cats and Cashews?

Cats and cashews have both been the subject of various studies over the years. While cats are commonly known as obligate carnivores and therefore cannot survive on an exclusively plant-based diet, a new study has suggested that cats may be able to eat some plant-based foods, including cashews. This is exciting news for cat owners who are looking for ways to give their feline friends a more varied diet. 

In one study conducted by researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna in Austria, cats were fed a diet containing cashews along with other forms of protein and fat derived from animal sources. The results showed that cats were able to digest the cashew meal just fine and that they did not suffer any adverse effects.

The researchers concluded that consuming small amounts of cashews could be beneficial in supplementing the diets of cats, especially when combined with other nutrient-rich sources of fat or protein such as fish or egg yolk. 

A separate study conducted by researchers at the University of Queensland found that eating cashews could provide additional health benefits for cats. The study focused on measuring whether the consumption of cashews could help to reduce inflammation in cats suffering from arthritis.

After feeding arthritis-affected cats a diet supplemented with ground cashews, it was found that their joint pain decreased significantly compared to when they had only been fed animal proteins prior to the trial period. 

Although it is unlikely that cats could survive on an exclusively plant-based diet such as one consisting solely of cashew nuts, these two studies suggest that incorporating some plant matter into your cat’s diet can provide additional nutritional benefits without any risk of harm to your pet’s health.

In addition to providing essential vitamins and minerals, adding a few small servings per week (up to 5% of total daily caloric intake) can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation. 

You may also find interesting to read: Can Cats Eat Almonds?

Why Moderation is Key When Feeding Cashews to Cats?

Although cats may be able to digest cashews without any ill effects, it’s important that they are fed in moderation. Cashews are high in fat and phosphorus, both of which can cause digestive issues if eaten in large quantities.

Here I’ll discuss why moderation is key when feeding cashews to cats, how to prepare and serve them safely, and any risks associated with eating this nut.

1. Cashews Contain High Amounts of Fat

Yes, cats need some fat in their diets, but they should not be given too much at once. Cashews are high in fat (like hazelnuts), with just one ounce containing 11.5 grams of fat.

This can cause digestive issues if eaten in large quantities due to the overload of grease and oil that the cat’s body is not designed to handle. This is why it’s important to serve only a few cashews at a time and not feed them as a meal replacement.

2. Cashews Contain High Amount of Phosphorus

Cashews also contain high amounts of phosphorus, which can lead to kidney issues if eaten in excess. Again, moderation is key when feeding your cat cashews; no more than 5-6 per day should be given.

3. Cashews Can Cause Allergic Reactions

Cats can also have allergic reactions to cashews, so it’s important to watch for any signs of discomfort such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you notice these symptoms, discontinue feeding your cat cashews and consult a veterinarian.

What Types of Cashews are Safe for Your Cats?

I know there are a lot of different types and products of cashews out there, but not all of them are suitable for cats. Here I’ll discuss which types of cashews are best for cats, and how to prepare and serve them safely.

1. Raw Cashew Nuts

Raw cashew nuts are the best option for cats because they have not been subjected to any processing that could potentially reduce their nutritional value. They should be shelled before feeding them to cats, as the shells can cause digestive issues if ingested.

2. Unsalted Cashews

Another important factor when choosing cashews for your cat is to make sure they are unsalted or minimally salted. Too much salt can lead to dehydration and other health problems in cats, so it’s important to avoid it whenever possible.

3. Roasted Cashew Nuts with No Oil/Fat

Finally, when feeding your cat cashews, it’s important to look for those that have been roasted without any added oil or fat. This will help limit the amount of grease and oil that the cat is exposed to, and can also help keep them from becoming overweight.

Can Cats Eat Cashew Butter? (Yes, But in Moderation)

Cats are known to be curious creatures, and they often approach nearly anything edible with an eagerness that’s hard to resist. As a result, many pet owners may have entertained the idea of providing their cats with cashew butter as a treat. But can cats eat cashew butter? 

The answer is yes – but in moderation. While cashew butter isn’t toxic for cats, it does contain high amounts of fat, calories, and salt. This can mean trouble for cats prone to obesity or diabetes – especially when given in large quantities or too frequently.

You can also read our guides on: Is Cocoa Butter Safe for Cats?

It’s also important to note that if the cashew butter contains added sugar like honey or maple syrup, it should never be given to your cat as these ingredients are potentially harmful and could cause gastrointestinal upset. 

Cashew butter offers a great opportunity for owners to give their cats occasional treats without worry about toxins or other life-threatening consequences.

But it’s important not to go overboard with feeding your cat this rich nut butter; consider giving them small quantities every few weeks instead so you can monitor your pet’s reaction and ensure no health risks arise from overindulging on this tasty nut treat!

A Vet’s Suggestions about Cashew Nut for Cats

Dr. Landon Brough, a veterinarian from Power Road Animal Hospital, has recently made a suggestion about feeding cats cashews. While cashews can be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat, Dr. Brough believes that this should be done under the supervision and approval of a trained professional. As an expert on animal health, Dr. Brough has observed that cats love cashews due to their sweet flavor and crunchy texture – something that any cat parent can relate to!

However, since these nuts are high in fat and calories, they should never be given as a daily snack nor should cats be allowed to consume large amounts. Additionally, many cats may have allergies or sensitivities to the nut’s proteins so it’s important to consult with your vet before introducing them into your pet’s diet. 

Dr. Brough points out that while small amounts of raw or roasted unsalted cashews are safe for cats to eat as treats, there are other factors at play when deciding if these nuts are suitable for your individual pet.

For example, if a cat has kidney disease then eating any type of nut may not be recommended due to the increased protein levels which can put additional strain on their kidneys. Similarly, cats who take certain types of medication or those who suffer from obesity should avoid consuming too much fat or calories which could lead to further complications. 

Furthermore, Dr. Brough advises against giving cats salted cashews because salt is toxic for them in large quantities and could cause serious long-term health issues such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. Cats should also never eat flavored cashews as many contain ingredients that can prove poisonous over time such as garlic-flavored seasonings. 

For pet owners looking to feed their furry friends something special every now and then, Dr. Brough recommends administering only a few unsalted raw or roasted cashews per week; providing them under supervision whenever possible. With moderation and careful consideration of your cat’s individual needs in mind – there’s no reason why you can’t both enjoy snacking on these delicious treats together!

How to Introduce Cashews to Your Cat? (PRO Tips)

So you’re the owner of a curious kitty who loves to snack on just about anything. Cashews are definitely an option for your furry friend, as long as you follow the proper guidelines and introduce them in the right way!

1. Start Small

When introducing cashews to your cat, it is important to start slow. While cats may love these crunchy snacks, an overload can cause digestive issues. Therefore it is best to start with a small piece of cashew – no bigger than the size of your fingernail – and work up from there.

2. Monitor Your Cat’s Reactions

When introducing new food to your cat, it is essential to watch their reactions closely. Look out for signs of an allergic reaction such as itching, hives or swelling. If these occur, discontinue giving your cat cashews immediately and contact your veterinarian.

3. Make Sure the Cashews are Unsalted

It is important to make sure that the cashews you give are unsalted, as salt can be toxic to cats in large quantities. If you are going to purchase cashews from the store, make sure to read the label carefully to ensure they are unsalted.

4. Make Sure the Cashews are Unflavored

Similarly, it is important to make sure that the cashews are unflavored as many flavored varieties contain ingredients that can be toxic to cats over time.

5. Feed Under Supervision

Although cashews are safe for cats to eat in moderation, it is still important to feed them under supervision to make sure they do not consume too many. Additionally, this will help you monitor for any adverse reactions or signs of digestive upset.

By following these simple guidelines and using your best judgment, you can make sure that your cat enjoys a safe and healthy snack every now and then!

My Final Thoughts on Cashews for Cats

Cashews are a safe and healthy snack for cats as long as you follow the guidelines outlined in this article. It is important to consult with your vet before introducing them into your pet’s diet, and be sure to start slow and monitor their reactions closely.

Additionally, make sure that the cashews are unsalted and unflavored as some flavored varieties contain ingredients that can be toxic to cats over time. With moderation and careful consideration in mind – there’s no reason why you can’t both enjoy snacking on these delicious treats together!

I hope this article has been helpful for anyone considering cashews for their cat. Now that you know all the important tips and tricks, you’re ready to give your furry friend a tasty treat!

Happy snacking!