Can cats eat peanuts, or is it risky?

So I was snacking on some peanuts, and my cat kept staring at me like she wanted some. I know dogs love peanut butter, but can cats eat peanuts? I don’t wanna give her something that might upset her stomach. Anyone know if it’s safe?

Not toxic, but probs not the best snack. Cats are carnivores, so their stomachs aren’t really made for plant stuff.

Zen said:
Not toxic, but probs not the best snack. Cats are carnivores, so their stomachs aren’t really made for plant stuff.

Oh, makes sense. So it won’t poison her, but it’s not really good for her either?

@Thayer
Yeah, exactly. A tiny bit won’t hurt, but there’s no real benefit to giving her peanuts.

Watch out for peanut shells though. Those can be a choking hazard and might even hurt their insides if they swallow them.

Skylar said:
Watch out for peanut shells though. Those can be a choking hazard and might even hurt their insides if they swallow them.

Oof, good to know. I’ll def avoid giving her the shells.

If you do give peanuts, make sure they’re plain and unsalted. No flavored or coated ones.

Spencer said:
If you do give peanuts, make sure they’re plain and unsalted. No flavored or coated ones.

Why does salt matter? I thought it was just for taste.

Mai said:

Spencer said:
If you do give peanuts, make sure they’re plain and unsalted. No flavored or coated ones.

Why does salt matter? I thought it was just for taste.

Too much salt is bad for cats. It can mess with their hydration and cause issues like high blood pressure.

What about peanut butter? My cat once licked some off my spoon lol.

Haru said:
What about peanut butter? My cat once licked some off my spoon lol.

Small amounts of plain peanut butter are okay, but a lot of store-bought ones have xylitol, which is toxic to pets.

@Harley
Wait, what’s xylitol?

Haru said:
@Harley
Wait, what’s xylitol?

It’s an artificial sweetener. Super dangerous for dogs, and while it’s not as clear for cats, best to avoid it just in case.

If you wanna treat your cat, there are better options. Tiny bits of cooked meat or cat-specific treats are way safer.

Adler said:
If you wanna treat your cat, there are better options. Tiny bits of cooked meat or cat-specific treats are way safer.

Good call! She does love chicken. I’ll stick to that instead.