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Pistachio-loving cat parents always have this specific question in mind “can cats eat pistachio?”. A fun fact is that pistachio trees are believed to have first grown in Iran.
In the 1880s, pistachios became popular as healthy food as studies proved they are rich in vitamins, potassium, fiber, proteins, and carbs. Many people started munching on it simply because of its health benefits, but soon enough, it became a favorite snack.
For a fact, if it were a crime to share human food with our fur friends, many cat owners would be guilty as charged. Well, thankfully, it isn’t, and we share because we want our pets to have a taste of whatever good we are eating.
However, we must know that some of our meals can be toxic to cats. And for a snack such as pistachios, it is of essence to know if it is safe before putting it in their bowl.
No, cats can not eat pistachios. Although this snack is harmless and beneficial to humans, it can cause a lot of havoc in your cat’s system. They are enriched with fat which can lead to digestive problems.
The simple answer above is not enough explanation for this topic. Still faced with the dilemma of giving your cat pistachios as a treat? You are reading the right article! There’s more to find out below; keep reading.
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Are Pistachios Bad For Cats?
We love pistachios; they provide many nutrients to our body to boost our health. However, pistachios can cause some health issues for cats. And this means it is a terrible choice for them. This meal is hard for cats to digest and is high in fat.
The amount of sodium in some pistachios is also a factor to consider, as it is highly salted.
Pistachios are not exactly poisonous to cats but can wreak havoc on their bodies. Cats have an entirely different nutritional need from humans. You shouldn’t expect some meals you enjoy to benefit your cat.
Cats can be quite mischievous and sneaky, and there might be cases where they eat a few pistachios without your notice. If this happens, there’s no cause for alarm; watch your cat for a few hours. If it shows signs of being sick, call the vet.
What Are The Dangers Of Pistachios To Cats’ Health?
Your cat may meow and paw at you while you are eating pistachios; it’s only reasonable to look past its cute face and resist the urge to indulge it in this snack. The following are the risks involved in feeding pistachios to your cat;
1. Gastrointestinal Distress
Pistachios are very high in fiber. Fiber is very good for humans and cats. However, when consumed in excess, pistachios, which are a rich source of fiber, can influence health issues like gastrointestinal distress.
Cats’ digestive systems also find it hard to easily digest this treat. The symptoms of gastrointestinal distress include:
- Vomiting
- Loose stools or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dehydration.
2. Choking Hazard
Aside from causing gastrointestinal problems in cats, pistachios can choke your cat. Due to the nature of pistachios, cats may find it difficult to chew them. This can lead to them swallowing pistachios as a whole without much chewing.
As a result, this treat can get stuck in their throats and block their airways. Signs of choking in cats are;
- Drooling
- Difficulty in breathing
- Stressed face
- Coughing
- Restlessness
- Fainting
- Choking sounds.
3. Pancreatitis
Pistachios are heavy in fats, and although cats will need fats in their diet, the amount of fat in this way is too much for cats. It is no news that meals that are high in fat are unhealthy for our feline friends and can lead to enormous weight gain and, ultimately, pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is a health condition where the pancreas, liver, or intestines are inflamed. The symptoms of pancreatitis in cats are;
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- General weakness.
4. Salt Toxicity
Usually, a lot of packaged pistachios are very high in salt. Salts can be very fatal to your cat’s health. When cats eat pistachios in excess, they are at high risk of sodium poisoning. The following are the signs of salt poisoning;
- Seizures
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Excessive urination
- Decreased appetite
- Coma
- Tremor.
5. Fungus Infection
Molds always find a way to form on pistachios, these molds may not be exactly harmful to humans but they can be very toxic to cats. This ingestion of these molds in cats can cause aflatoxin toxicity, a fungus infection.
Ultimately this infection can be very critical and can damage the liver. Symptoms of fungus infection include;
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kittens eat pistachios?
By all means, do not give kittens any form of human food. Unlike adult cats, kittens’ digestive system is not active enough to break down some solid human foods. Pistachios are an absolute no-no for kittens, their teeth are not strong enough to chew this snack. They can easily choke or get stomach upset.
Can cats eat pistachio pudding?
No, cats should not eat pistachio pudding. Although there is no risk of choking hazards, it is high in fat and may contain harmful ingredients like heavy cream, sugar, salt, and some artificial flavors. For lactose intolerant cats, symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.
Is pistachio ice cream safe for cats?
No, pistachio ice cream is not safe for cats. Lactose intolerant cats will be faced with diarrhea and vomiting. Pistachio ice cream contains sugar, heavy cream, and artificial flavoring which are toxic to cats. Pistachio already is fattening and can be hazardous to cats. Ensure you avoid this treat for cats.
What nuts and seeds are safe for cats?
A lot of nuts are bad for cats. However, cashew is offered to cats in small quantities. But it’s best not to include any form of nuts or seeds in your cat’s diet as nuts are very high in fat, and fatty foods can cause issues for cats. Moreover, cats are obligate carnivores, give them meals that are appropriate and beneficial to them.
Final Note
Pistachios are not an appropriate choice of foods for cats. Though many cats will pass on this snack, some might show interest. Either way, it is best not to share this snack with our feline companions as it can take an ugly turn on their health.
Other treats made from pistachios such as pistachios ice cream and pistachios pudding must also be avoided. If your cat consumes this snack without your notice, relax, and monitor it closely.
If you notice any signs of sickness, reach out to the vet right away.
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