Cashews are a popular snack for humans—creamy, crunchy, and full of healthy fats. But when your cat reaches out a paw or sniffs curiously while you’re munching, you might pause and wonder: can cats have cashews?
The short answer is yes, cats can eat cashews in very small amounts, but it’s not recommended. While cashews aren’t toxic to cats, they’re not healthy either. In fact, feeding cashews to cats regularly could lead to digestive problems, weight gain, or other health issues.
Let’s explore why cashews are not an ideal snack for your feline friend, how much is considered safe, and better treat alternatives your cat will actually benefit from.
Are Cashews Safe for Cats to Eat?
Cashews are not poisonous to cats, which means if your cat eats one or two, you don’t need to panic. However, just because something is “safe” in tiny doses doesn’t mean it’s a good or nutritious food for your cat.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to digest and thrive on meat. Cashews, which are plant-based, don’t offer the kind of protein, fat, or vitamins that cats require. Instead, they’re packed with things your cat doesn’t need—like salt, sugar, and excessive fat.
Nutritional Breakdown of Cashews (Per 1 oz / ~18 nuts)
- Calories: ~155
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: Varies (especially in salted versions)
- Calcium, Magnesium, Iron: Present in small amounts
While these numbers make cashews a healthy snack for humans, they can pose problems for cats—even in small servings.
Why Cashews Aren’t Good for Cats
High Fat Content
Cats require some fat in their diet, but cashews contain too much. High fat intake can lead to:
- Weight gain
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Digestive upset
Even a few cashews can exceed a cat’s daily fat needs.
Salted Cashews Are Especially Dangerous
Most store-bought cashews are salted, and sodium is harmful to cats. It can cause:
- Dehydration
- High blood pressure
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Kidney issues in the long term
Cats have a very low tolerance for salt, and just one salty cashew can be too much.
Choking Hazard
Cashews are dense, hard, and oddly shaped. If your cat tries to swallow a whole nut or even a large piece, it could cause choking or get lodged in the throat or digestive tract, especially in kittens or small cats.
No Real Nutritional Benefit
While cashews contain small amounts of protein and minerals, they’re not species-appropriate for cats. The protein is plant-based, which cats can’t use as effectively as animal-based protein.
Digestive Discomfort
Cashews are rich in carbohydrates and fiber, which are hard for cats to process. This could lead to:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gas or bloating
What If My Cat Ate a Cashew?
If your cat ate one unsalted, plain cashew, it’s probably not a big deal. Here’s what you should do:
- Monitor for any signs of stomach discomfort (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite)
- Keep water available—especially if it was salted
- Do not feed more cashews, even if your cat seems to like them
If your cat shows signs of distress or consumes multiple cashews—especially salted or flavored ones—call your vet for advice.
Can Cats Be Allergic to Cashews?
Food allergies in cats are more common with protein sources like chicken or fish, but nuts could cause allergic reactions in some cats. Symptoms may include:
- Itchy skin or rash
- Vomiting
- Swollen paws or mouth
- Difficulty breathing
Stop feeding immediately and contact your vet if you suspect an allergic reaction.
Can Cats Drink Cashew Milk?
Cashew milk might sound harmless, but it’s not ideal for cats. Even though it’s dairy-free, many commercial cashew milks contain:
- Sugar
- Salt
- Xylitol (which is extremely toxic to cats)
- Preservatives or gums
If you want to offer your cat a milk-like treat, it’s best to use cat-specific milk from pet stores, designed to be lactose-free and nutritionally safe.
Safer and Healthier Treat Alternatives for Cats
If you’re looking to share a snack with your cat, skip the cashews and go for one of these instead:
Cooked Chicken or Turkey (Plain, Boneless)
High in protein, low in fat, and ideal for cats.
Freeze-Dried Meat Treats
Look for single-ingredient treats made specifically for felines. Salmon, turkey, or beef are great options.
Catnip or Cat Grass
These are safe, non-food treats that cats enjoy and benefit from.
Wet Cat Food
Give them a special spoonful from a different flavor than usual as a treat.
Cooked Egg (No Salt or Butter)
A small bite of plain scrambled egg can be a healthy source of animal protein.
How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating Cashews
- Store nuts in sealed containers out of your cat’s reach
- Don’t leave snack bowls unattended—especially during movie night or parties
- Train your cat not to beg or jump on tables during meals
- Offer pet-friendly treats regularly so they don’t feel left out
FAQs About Cats and Cashews
Can cats have cashews?
Technically, yes—but they’re not recommended. Cashews are high in fat and offer no nutritional value for cats.
Are cashews toxic to cats?
No, they’re not toxic in small amounts. But regular consumption or eating salted or flavored versions can cause health problems.
What happens if a cat eats a cashew?
Most likely nothing if it’s just one plain nut, but monitor for signs of digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea.
Can kittens eat cashews?
No. Kittens have very sensitive digestive systems. Cashews pose a choking risk and offer no benefit to their diet.
What nuts are safe for cats?
In general, no nuts are recommended for cats. Most are high in fat, and some (like macadamia nuts) are toxic.
