No, cats should not eat Nutella. The chocolate and cocoa contained in Nutella can be toxic to cats. While the hazelnuts themselves are not harmful, the additional ingredients make Nutella an unsafe choice for feline consumption.
Why Cats Should Not Eat Nutella?
Hazelnuts themselves are not toxic for cats. However, Nutella contains chocolate and cocoa powder which can cause toxicity issues for cats.
The cocoa bean naturally contains theobromine, a stimulant similar to caffeine. Cats are extremely sensitive to the effects of theobromine. Even small amounts can cause issues. Eating chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, tremors, seizures, and elevated heart rate in cats.
Additionally, Nutella is high in sugar and fat, as the hazelnut spread contains sugar, skim milk, and palm oil. The high amounts of sugar and fat can cause an upset digestive system in cats. Nutella offers little nutritional value and may lead to weight gain or pancreatitis if fed regularly.
Overall, cat owners should avoid feeding Nutella or any chocolate spread to cats. The potential hazards outweigh any benefits. It is safer to stick to cat treats and foods designed specifically for feline health and digestion.
Potential Health Risks for Cats
Feeding chocolate such as Nutella to cats can cause a variety of concerning symptoms and complications. Some of the side effects include:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination. Chocolate may irritate the digestive tract.
- Increased heart rate. The theobromine can accelerate a cat’s heartbeat.
- Restlessness, tremors, and seizures. Toxicity can stimulate the nervous system.
- Pancreatitis. The high fat content may inflame the pancreas.
- Weight gain. Nutella is high in sugar and fat without nutrition.
- Tooth decay. The sugar content is harmful to dental health over time.
Any signs of illness after eating chocolate means immediate veterinary attention is required. Theobromine poisoning can be fatal without swift treatment.
Safe Alternatives for Cats
The safest option is to avoid feeding chocolate, Nutella, or cocoa products to cats. There are better alternatives to provide a treat.
- Cat treats. Stick to commercial treats made just for cats.
- Meat baby food. Unseasoned varieties work well.
- Plain, unsalted nut butter. Almond or peanut butter contains no chocolate.
- Homemade cat treats. DIY options without chocolate or sugar.
- Pet milk. Low lactose varieties won’t cause digestive upset.
- Wet cat food. A spoonful makes a nice snack.
With a little creativity, cat owners can find safe, cat-friendly alternatives to chocolate hazelnut spread. Homemade treats made with cat-safe ingredients allows for an occasional snack without the risk of chocolate toxicity. Be sure to introduce any new foods gradually as well.
Conclusion
Nutella may look like a tasty treat, but it poses health risks for cats. Chocolate contains theobromine and cocoa, which can cause toxicity. The sugar and fat content also may cause digestive issues. For their safety, cats are better off avoiding chocolate spreads like Nutella. With so many cat-friendly snacks to choose from, there is no need to take a chance on chocolate. Steer clear of Nutella, and stick to high-quality commercial cat treats or safe homemade alternatives to reward your cat.
