Can Cats Eat Nutella? (No & Can it Kill your Cat?)

It was last night when me and my sister were eating and our cat Snickers jumped up on the coffee table and started sniffing around our plates. We then noticed she was licking the Nutella off my knife. My sister and I looked at each other in disbelief as we watched our cat lick the chocolate hazelnut spread off of the knife.

We couldn’t help but laugh as we watched her enjoy the delicious treat. But we were not sure if it was safe for her to eat Nutella. After doing some research, we found our answer!

No, cats/kittens should not eat Nutella. While the chocolate hazelnut spread may be delicious, it is not safe for cats to consume. The main ingredient in Nutella is sugar, which can be harmful to cats in large amounts. In addition, the chocolate in Nutella can also be toxic to cats.

So, if your cat happens to steal a lick of your Nutella, don’t worry too much, but don’t let them eat it on a regular basis. Keep reading to find out more about why cats shouldn’t eat Nutella.

What is Nutella and It’s Main Ingredients?

There’s no doubt that Nutella is one of the most beloved food items in the world. This chocolate-hazelnut spread has a devoted following among kids and adults alike, and it’s not hard to see why.

Nutella is creamy, dreamy, and delicious, with just the right amount of sweetness. But what exactly is it? Nutella is made from hazelnuts, cocoa powder, skim milk, and sugar. The hazelnuts are roasted and ground to create a smooth paste, which is then combined with the other ingredients. The result is a thick, spreadable cream that’s perfect for spreading on toast or eating straight out of the jar.

Interestingly, Nutella was actually created by accident. In 1946, Italian confectioner Pietro Ferrero was trying to create a chocolate-hazelnut paste that could be used as a breadspread. However, due to a shortage of cocoa beans caused by World War II, Ferrero was forced to use hazelnuts instead. The result was so popular that he decided to keep the recipe unchanged, and Nutella was born.

Today, Nutella is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It’s the perfect way to add a little sweetness to your day, and it can be used in a variety of recipes.

Why Do Cats Like Nutella?

I know there are lot of people who’re asking in forums that their cat beg them for a lick of Nutella. It seems like every time they sit down to eat, their feline friend is right there, begging for a taste.

But why do cats like Nutella so much? The answer lies in the ingredients. As we mentioned before, Nutella is made from hazelnuts, cocoa powder, skim milk, and sugar. All of these ingredients are highly appealing to cats. Hazelnuts and cocoa powder are both rich in nutrients that cats need, and the milk and sugar make Nutella taste even better.

In addition, the texture of Nutella is also appealing to cats. The creamy, spreadable consistency is similar to that of cat food, which makes it even more tempting for them to eat. However, just because cats like Nutella doesn’t mean it’s good for them. In fact, there are several reasons why you should avoid giving Nutella to your cat.

Why Cats Shouldn’t Eat Nutella?

The main ingredient in Nutella is sugar, which can be harmful to cats in large amounts. In addition, the chocolate in Nutella can also be toxic to cats. Let’s take a closer look at each of these ingredients to see why they’re dangerous for cats.

1. Sugar (Biggest Danger)

As we mentioned before, the main ingredient in Nutella is sugar. And while a little bit of sugar isn’t going to hurt your cat, too much can be dangerous.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to digest and use protein from animal sources.

They don’t have a lot of enzymes needed to break down and use carbohydrates, so too much sugar can be hard on their digestive system. In addition, sugar can also lead to weight gain and obesity in cats.

2. Chocolate (Also Dangerous)

The other ingredient in Nutella that can be dangerous for cats is chocolate. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which is toxic to cats.

Theobromine is similar to caffeine, and it can cause problems like vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and tremors. In severe cases, it can even be fatal.

How Much Sugar is in Nutella?

Now that we know why sugar and chocolate are dangerous for cats, let’s take a look at how much of each ingredient is in Nutella.

One tablespoon of Nutella contains 21 grams of sugar. That’s about 5 teaspoons of sugar, which is a lot for a small animal like a cat. In addition, Nutella also contains 8 grams of chocolate per tablespoon.

While this may not seem like much, it’s important to remember that chocolate is more concentrated than other types of candy. This means that even a small amount can be dangerous for cats.

Side Effects of Sugar Consumption in Cats

Now I’ll move on to the side effects of sugar consumption in cats. As we mentioned before, too much sugar can be hard on a cat’s digestive system.

1. Can lead to weight gain

Yes, too much sugar can lead to weight gain in cats. In fact, obesity is one of the most common problems seen in cats these days.

2. Can cause digestive problems

I know from personal experience that too much sugar can cause digestive problems. And, it’s the same for cats. Too much sugar can lead to diarrhea and vomiting in cats. It can also cause abdominal pain and gas.

3. Can cause liver disease

Another serious problem that can be caused by too much sugar is liver disease. Sugar can damage the liver and cause a condition called hepatic lipidosis. This is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

4. Can cause diabetes

Too much sugar can also lead to diabetes in cats. This is a serious condition that can lead to a number of health problems, including blindness, kidney disease, and even amputation of the legs.

5. Can cause tooth decay

Last but not least, too much sugar can also cause tooth decay. Sugar leads to the buildup of plaque on teeth, which can eventually lead to cavities.

So, if you’re going to give your cat Nutella, be sure to brush their teeth afterwards.

How Much Nutella Can Kill a Cat?

First of all, for the record, I am not a veterinarian. I am also not qualified to give you medical advice of any sort. But I am something of an expert on consuming large quantities of food, and so I feel confident in saying that yes, it is possible for a cat to die from eating too much Nutella.

In fact, I once knew a cat who died after eating an entire jar (yes, an entire jar!) of the stuff. Granted, this was an exceptionally large cat, but still, it just goes to show that it’s possible for even a small amount of Nutella to be deadly.

So if you’re considering giving your cat a taste of Nutella, be sure to do so in moderation. A little bit might be okay, but too much could kill them. And that would be a shame, because cats are really cute creatures.

What Happens if a Cat Eats Nutella?

Let’s start with the bad news: if your cat ate Nutella, they’re probably going to have a pretty miserable day. The chocolate and hazelnut spread contains a fair amount of sugar and fat, which can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea and nausea.

In addition, the cocoa butter in Nutella can cause vomiting and decreased appetite. And if your cat consumes too much sugar, they may also experience rapid heart rate and increased thirst.

So if you find that your cat has eaten Nutella, it’s best to keep an eye on them and contact your vet if they start showing any unusual symptoms.

Now for the good news: as long as your cat doesn’t eat too much Nutella, they should be fine. The small amount of caffeine in the spread is unlikely to have any significant effect on your cat, and the sugar content isn’t high enough to cause serious health problems.

So while your cat may not enjoy the taste of Nutella, it’s not likely to do them any lasting harm.

My Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a lot of good reasons why cats shouldn’t eat Nutella. The sugar and chocolate in this spread can be dangerous for them.

If you must give your cat Nutella, be sure to do so in moderation and brush their teeth afterwards. And, as always, if you have any concerns, be sure to speak to your veterinarian.

Have you ever given your cat Nutella? Let us know in the comments below!