Are Pistachios Safe for Cats? What You Need to Know

When it comes to foods that are safe for cats to eat, there’s a lot of rumors floating around online. One that keeps coming up is whether cats can eat pistachios.

So can cats eat pistachios, or are they harmful?

Pistachio nuts aren’t particularly harmful to cats. They aren’t toxic, so if you do catch your cat nibbling a pistachio or two try not to worry. However, they aren’t recommended as part of a regular diet, for a number of reasons.

Pistachio nuts aren’t particularly harmful to cats. They aren’t toxic, so if you do catch your cat nibbling a pistachio or two try not to worry. Click To Tweet

Firstly they contain high levels of fat, too much of which can cause pancreatitis in cats. They also contain significant levels of dietary fiber which, while an integral part of a healthy cat’s diet, can in excess lead to stomach upset and diarrhea.
Pistachios are also sometimes coated in additives that are not part of a healthy cat’s diet, salt being the most common. Too much salt can cause gastrointestinal issues or even more serious health problems.
Finally, the shells of pistachios can also act as a choking hazard or cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed.

As an aside, it’s also not a good idea to let your cat eat pistachio flavored ice cream as the sugar and additives are bad for cats.

Are Pistachios Safe for Cats? What You Need to Know

What nuts are poisonous to cats?

While many nuts are not particularly toxic to cats, they generally should be avoided for the same reason pistachios should be. The high salt, fiber, and fat content can cause discomfort and health issues. Macadamia nuts however are known to be seriously toxic to dogs, and while no significant evidence exists to suggest that the same is true for cats it’s probably best to be safe and avoid letting your cat eat any.

To sum up, pistachios may not be poisonous, but they are not a part of a healthy cat’s diet and in excess can be seriously harmful.