Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?

As a proud cat mom and a pet blogger, I’ve extensively researched what human foods are safe for our feline friends. Today, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about cats and peanut butter, backed by veterinary research and my personal experience.

Is Peanut Butter Bad for Cats?

Peanut butter is such that appears like a treat to dogs, but on the other hand, is a big question mark for cats. So, whether or not, peanut butter can be given to the cats, needs a brief discussion. Peanut butter might appear tasty to the cats for its sweet and sour texture. However, it is unhealthy for our feline friend as it contains fat and artificial sweeteners. It is not only harmful to cats but also doesn’t have any nutritional value whatsoever.

Problematic Ingredients in Peanut Butter for Cats

Xylitol

When peanuts are processed into peanut butter, there, usually, are some ingredients mixed with the peanuts that are hazardous to cat health.

For example, xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is toxic to animals. Xylitol poisoning in cats may cause vomiting, drooling, lethargy, balance issues, and even seizures, says cathealth.com. Xylitol is also found in some baked food and chewing gums, which is why reading labels is important while giving treats to our cats.

Oil and Fat

Peanuts, as their name suggests are not nuts at all; they are legumes which are edible seeds grown in pods like green peas( their above-ground cousins), lentils, and other beans. Nutritionally, peanuts are considered nuts – as they contain high amounts of oil and fat. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (ASPCA), nuts are among those food items that should be kept away from pets. These, although, can be helpful for humans, are not pet-friendly and can lead to gastrointestinal issues for pets.

Sodium

Natural peanuts don’t contain any sodium but peanut butter, on the other hand, does. Roasted peanuts, which are used in peanut butter, are usually high in sodium, which can be detrimental to cat health. Also, felines should not be given salty food as, in high amounts, it might cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and/or urination; even serious health issues like depression, seizures, etc.

Nutritional Summary: (1 Gram Peanut Butter)

Calories 6

Fat 0.5 g

Carbs 0.2g

Protein 0.25g

Calorie breakdown: 72%Fat, 12% Carbs, 16% Protein

Is Peanut Butter Safe For Cats?

Here are the key health risks and diseases associated with feeding peanut butter to pets:

Immediate Health Risks:

1. Choking Hazard: The thick, sticky texture of peanut butter can cause choking to your pet, especially in small pets. It can stick to the roof of your cat’s mouth and cause breathing problems.

2. Allergic Reaction: Pets can have peanut allergies, just like humans. It may show symptoms like itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and vomiting.

Long-term Disease Risks:

3. Obesity-Related Conditions: High-calorie content (about 100 calories per tablespoon) of peanut butter can lead to Diabetes, joint problems, heart disease, and reduced lifespan.

4. Pancreatitis: High-fat content of Peanut butter can trigger inflammation of the pancreas. It may show symptoms like severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can be fatal if untreated.

5. Dental Problems: The sticky texture of butter can adhere to teeth. Sugar content (in sweetened varieties) promotes tooth decay. It can lead to gum disease.

6. Gastrointestinal Issues:

Digestive issues
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach pain

If your pet shows any of these symptoms after eating peanut butter, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter Bread?

No, cats shouldn’t eat peanut butter bread. While it’s not typically toxic, it combines two unnecessary foods for cats: bread and peanut butter.

Why Peanut Butter Bread Is Bad for Cats

Double Trouble Components

Bread is problematic because it provides empty calories, and peanut butter is too fatty. Both are combined and become too calorie-dense.From my experience and vet consultations:

Bread-Related Issues

It can cause stomach upset
May lead to obesity
It contains no nutritional value for cats
Often contains added sugars and preservatives
Bread dough can be toxic and dangerous
Flavored bread with toxic ingredients
Sugar-free peanut butter containing xylitol
Moldy bread can be poisonous

Signs Your Cat Overate Peanut Butter Bread

You should watch for the following symptoms and visit your vet as soon as possible.

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Difficulty swallowing

What To Feed Your Cat Besides Peanut Butter

Healthy alternatives to peanut butter for cats would be commercial cat foods or treats and homemade cat foods. At mealtime, you can easily prepare healthy homemade meals for your cats, alongside the commercial cat foods they enjoy.

Emergency Action Plan

If your cat eats peanut butter bread:

Remove the remaining bread.
Monitor for reactions.
Provide fresh water.
Contact the vet if symptoms appear.

Special Warning for Outdoor Cat Parents

I learned this from my neighborhood cat group: never give outdoor cats a taste for peanut butter. Why? It’s often used in mouse traps and could lure your cat into danger.

FAQs

No! Cats should not eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Both ingredients can be problematic and potentially dangerous for your feline friend. Jelly contains excessive sugars that may cause diabetes, potential tooth decay, and obesity.

Although tiny amounts of peanut butter are safe for cats to consume, it is not advised to include it in their diet daily. Although peanut butter by itself is safe, cats may be at risk from its high fat, sugar, and occasionally xylitol content. Specifically, xylitol is toxic and can lead to major health problems.

Peanut butter’s strong scent and smooth texture can be appealing to cats, that’s why my cat is obsessed with peanut butter.

Some cats might be attracted to the strong smell of peanut butter, but not all will like it since they usually prefer the scent of protein-based foods.

If your cat licks a little peanut butter, it’s usually not harmful.

Cats shouldn’t eat peanut butter cookies. These cookies may contain sugar, salt, or harmful ingredients like chocolate or xylitol.

Cats shouldn’t eat peanut butter crackers. The peanut butter might not be harmful in small amounts, but the salt and other ingredients in the crackers aren’t good for them.

Not really. Peanut butter isn’t toxic to cats, but it doesn’t belong in their diet.

Bottom Line

As a cat mom, I never give my cats peanut butter bread. There’s simply no nutritional benefit, and the risks outweigh any potential enjoyment. Stick to cat-specific treats instead!

Have you caught your cat trying to steal bread? Share your experience in the comments below!

This article was written in collaboration with Nimmy ( Co-Author)

Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter? Here’s What You Should Know

Is Peanut Butter Bad for Cats?