{"id":6455,"date":"2023-01-07T19:02:42","date_gmt":"2023-01-07T19:02:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/micatguide.com\/?p=6455"},"modified":"2023-01-15T08:58:24","modified_gmt":"2023-01-15T08:58:24","slug":"can-cats-eat-walnuts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/micatguide.com\/can-cats-eat-walnuts\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Cats Eat Walnuts? (Risks & Vet Suggestions)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

No, cats should not be fed walnuts. Walnuts contain high levels of fat and protein, both of which can cause gastrointestinal upset and even lead to pancreatitis in cats if consumed in large amounts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the hard shells can be a choking hazard or obstructive if swallowed by cats. Walnuts are also known to have compounds such as thujone and anethole, which can cause vomiting, nausea, or seizures in cats. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding walnuts to cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So here in this blog post, I’ll discuss in detail why cats should not consume walnuts and how you can keep them safe from potential hazards. I’ll also be discussing signs to look out for if your cat has accidentally eaten some walnuts, which can help you take quick action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Do Different Studies Say about Walnuts and Cats?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Studies have shown that cats should not eat walnuts as they can be potentially toxic to them. Many pet owners might not realize that walnuts contain a compound called juglone, which is toxic for cats and can lead to an array of health issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and seizures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A study by the University of California<\/a> in Davis found that walnuts contain high levels of juglone, especially in their hulls. They also found that if consumed in large enough quantities, juglone can be very harmful and even fatal to cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Juglone<\/a> prevents cells from getting rid of waste products and results in organ failure if it has been ingested in large amounts. It can also cause liver dysfunction and damage other organs if ingested in smaller amounts over time. Additionally, the authors noted that some breeds of cats may be more sensitive to the effects of juglone than others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison<\/a> showed similar findings regarding juglone\u2019s toxicity towards cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The authors noted that while there have been anecdotal reports describing the adverse effects associated with the consumption of walnuts by pets such as cats, there had yet to be any scientific evidence or studies showing this correlation until now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study went on to strongly recommend that pet owners avoid feeding their animals any kind of nuts due to the potential toxicity related to juglone poisoning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also find interesting to read: Can Cats Eat Almonds?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Your Cats Shouldn’t Eat Walnuts? (Explained)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Reasons<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As previously mentioned, walnuts contain juglone, which can be toxic to cats. Additionally, the hard shells of walnuts can also be a choking hazard or obstructive if swallowed by cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here I’ll try to explain more why cats should not eat walnuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Walnuts Contain High Levels of Fat and Protein<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Walnuts contain high levels of fat and protein, both of which can cause gastrointestinal upset and even lead to pancreatitis in cats if consumed in large amounts. A study by the University of California in Davis found that walnuts contain high levels of fat and protein, which can be harmful to cats if ingested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Walnuts Contain Compounds Such as Thujone and Anethole<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Walnuts also contain compounds such as thujone and anethole, which can cause vomiting, nausea, or seizures in cats. The University of Wisconsin-Madison study confirmed this finding, noting that these compounds are toxic to cats when ingested in large amounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Walnuts Can Be a Choking Hazard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the tough outer shells of walnuts are impenetrable, much like the solid husks of pistachios<\/a> can also be a choking hazard or obstructive if swallowed by cats. This means that even if your cat only consumes small amounts of walnuts, it can still be at risk of choking or having an obstruction in its intestines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also find interesting to read: Can Cats Eat Peanuts?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different Types of Walnuts and Your Cat’s Safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Now that you know the dangers of feeding cats walnuts, it is important to be aware that not all types of walnuts are created equal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The University of California Davis study found that black walnuts and English\/Persian walnuts tend to contain higher levels of juglone than other types such as white or butternut walnuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that it is still possible for cats to consume small amounts of white or butternut walnuts without experiencing any adverse effects, although it is still not recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, it is best to avoid feeding cats any type of walnuts due to the potential for toxicity or choking hazards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also read about our guide on: Can Cats Eat Hazelnuts?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs To Lookout If Your Cat Has Eaten Walnuts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Signs<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I know how hard it is to resist those cute eyes and even harder when they\u2019re looking right at the snacks in your hand. However, if you suspect that your cat may have ingested walnuts or any other type of nut, it is important to monitor them closely for any signs of toxicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most common signs of juglone toxicity in cats include:<\/p>\n\n\n