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The crunchy and creamy texture of peanut butter makes it a beloved and satisfying treat for humans.
Aside from the great flavor, peanut butter is nutritious and the perfect way to add extra protein to your meals.
While we know that dogs are peanut butter enthusiasts and would eat it in an instant, we can’t quite say the same about cats.
Can cats safely eat peanut butter, or is it bad for them?
Thankfully, that’s why we are here.
We will certainly cover this and many more questions concerning cats and peanut butter.
Can cats eat peanut butter?
For many of us, peanut butter is delicious, and that crunchy texture is just everything.
On the other hand, cats don’t really like peanut butter.
There are those treats that will have your kitty running at lightning speed, and others won’t show any interest.
Peanut butter is one of those treats that don’t seem to tickle the fancy of cats.
Most of the time, you will notice cats portraying a lack of interest when presented with it.
That said, there are a few that can eat it.
Is it safe for my cat to eat peanut butter?
Firstly, nothing will happen to your charming kitty if you let her lick a little bit of peanut butter off a tablespoon.
Peanut butter is not on the list of ASPCA toxic human foods to cats.
For that reason alone, you can rest easy knowing it’s not lethal.
But that doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
In fact, don’t lower your guard and leave an open jar of peanut butter in the proximity of your cat.
There is a chance your furry friend already likes the distinctive texture and might end up eating too much of it.
Well, in such a situation, things may go wrong, and your pet will pay the ultimate price.
A few licks of peanut butter will not cause any harm to your cat.
However, too much of it will result in digestion issues and stomach upsets.
Cats have a digestive system that is way different from ours.
For that reason, they cannot digest many of the human foods like peanut butter well.
This is what causes stomach upsets.
In case a cat overeats peanut butter, typical side effects may include diarrhea, vomiting, and indigestion issues.
Aside from that, peanut butter has high amounts of fats, which can pose a health risk for most cats.
Your cat ingesting copious amounts of fat would mean she is more at risk of developing health problems like obesity and diabetes.
One thing we often forget is that cats are carnivores.
This means it’s vital for them to feed on a diet that mainly consists of animal-based proteins.
Foods such as peanut butter have no nutritional value for your cat and will not meet her needs.
Hence, they are not really necessary.
Should I give peanut butter to my cat?
We know that peanut butter given in moderation is not harmful to cats.
Are you wondering if it’s alright to give it to your cat as a treat every now and then?
Since peanut butter can cause indigestion issues for your kitty, it’s recommended to stick to pet-friendly options.
Moreover, some cats simply don’t like peanut butter and will not express any interest at the sight of it.
Avoid upsetting their digestive system by feeding them peanut butter.
If the vet has advised that you get a portion of delicious food to help your cat swallow the medicine, try something else.
Furthermore, peanut butter offers no nutritional value for your feline pet.
In fact, it may even spoil the cat’s appetite.
The Problems With Peanuts For Cats
Peanut butter may not be toxic or harmful to cats, but it indeed has some demerits.
There are few reasons you might have to think twice before feeding your feline companion peanut butter;
High sodium
Most peanut butter brands have salt added as an ingredient.
You must know that too much salt is not suitable for the health of your kitty.
Therefore, keep an eye on that.
Choking hazard
Peanut butter tends to have a somewhat thick consistency.
There is a possibility a bit of the peanut butter will get caught in the cat’s throat and put her at risk of choking.
Allergies
Unfortunately, cats can be allergic to nuts, including peanuts.
While you might not be aware if your cat is allergic to nuts, keep an eye on her for signs of it.
An allergic reaction to peanut butter may come in the form of skin irritations, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and stomach pains.
Xylitol poisoning
Through the years, people have become more aware of healthy living.
This is probably why the demand for low sugar products has shot up.
This has prompted many companies to get rid of the sugar in their products and replace it with xylitol.
However, xylitol is toxic to many pets and can cause complications for your kitty.
If you must give your cat some peanut butter, read the labels, and ensure there is no xylitol.
Accidental poisoning
There is a danger attached to your cat acquiring a taste for peanut butter.
This is because peanut butter is popularly used to bait mouse traps.
It can either be an attractive bait for a step on a lethal trap or a disguise for poison.
Either way, your cat might up suffering the painful embarrassment of getting caught in a trap or, worse, feeding on poisoned peanut butter.
Don’t let your cat freely roam around the neighborhood, especially when it has a liking for peanut butter.
Conclusion
Peanut butter is not bad for cats at all, especially when given irregularly in moderation.
If you want to give your kitty peanut butter, try the raw, unsalted type.
Additives such as salt might wreak havoc on the cat’s delicate digestive system.
With that said, always opt for the healthy treats that have nutritional benefits for the cat.
