Yes, cats can have almond butter, but in moderation!
Almond butter is high in calories and fat. It also has a lot of magnesium and vitamin E.
However, these nutrients are very important for cats. Too much vitamin E can cause thyroid problems, while too much magnesium can cause kidney problems.
Almond butter can also cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats because cats can’t digest the fat well.
For these reasons, it’s best if you keep cats away from almond butter.
What is Almond Butter?
Almond butter is a food paste made from grinding almonds into nut butter. Almond butter may be “crunchy” or “smooth”, and is generally “stir” (susceptible to oil separation) or “no-stir” (emulsified).
Almond butter may be either raw or roasted, but this describes the almonds themselves, prior to grinding.
Some brands may also blanch the almonds before grinding by removing the outer skin, resulting in a smoother, lighter, and less gritty butter.
Potential Risks of Almond Butter for Cats
Possible Risks of almond butter for cats include:
- Almond butter’s high calorie and fat content may result in weight gain and obesity in cats, potentially causing further health issues.
- An excess of magnesium and vitamin E in almond butter can lead to thyroid and kidney complications in cats.
- Indigestion of fats in almond butter might cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats, potentially resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- The sticky nature of almond butter can create a choking hazard for cats. Supervise cats closely and serve only small portions.
- Inflammation of the pancreas, or pancreatitis, can arise in cats due to almond butter’s high fat content. Untreated pancreatitis can be fatal.
- Almond butter might contain added sugars, salts, or harmful ingredients like artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners, which are unsuitable for cats.
What should I do if my cat accidentally eats too much almond butter?
To handle the scenario where your cat consumes too much almond butter, you should keep an eye out for any indications of stomach discomfort.
- These symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst or appetite, and lethargy.
- If these symptoms persist or worsen, promptly contact your veterinarian.
- Inspect your cat’s mouth and throat for any almond butter residue that could lead to choking.
- If present, try to gently remove it using your finger or a damp cloth. If your cat experiences difficulty in breathing or swallowing, seek emergency veterinary care.
- Reduce your cat’s exposure to almond butter and other high-fat foods in the future.
- Excessive intake of almond butter can lead to various health problems in cats, such as weight gain, obesity, heart disease, and pancreatitis. Therefore, it is recommended to offer this treat only on rare occasions and in small quantities.
Are there any breeds of cats that should not be given almond butter?
An exact answer does not exist. Some cats might experience allergies or reactions to almonds or elements in almond butter, so consulting a veterinarian before introducing new food to your cat is advisable.
Additionally, certain health issues like pancreatitis or kidney disease could make cats susceptible to complications from consuming high-fat foods like almond butter.
Thus, vigilance and observation of your cat’s health and actions are essential if you choose to offer almond butter.
Can almond butter be mixed with catnip for added benefits?
Almond butter and catnip can be combined to enhance the health benefits for cats. When consumed moderately, almond butter offers safe and nutritious fats and protein.
Catnip has a long history of calming and soothing effects on cats.
Mixing these two ingredients provides cats with a delightful treat that promotes digestion and overall well-being.
It is crucial to maintain the right proportions and offer only a small portion as part of a balanced diet.
Can almond butter improve a cat’s coat or skin health?
Some evidence suggests that almond butter may enhance a cat’s coat or skin health, although it lacks conclusive and consistent results.
Almond butter is abundant in vitamin E, serving as a skin-lightening agent and an antioxidant that safeguards the skin against damage and inflammation.
Moreover, vitamin E may aid in stimulating collagen production, which contributes to skin elasticity and smoothness.
The presence of healthy fats in almond butter can additionally moisturize the skin and coat, preventing dryness and flaking.
