Food safety
Can Cats Eat Almonds? Not Recommended — Fat and Choking
No, almonds are not a good snack for cats, although a single plain almond is not poisonous. The ASPCA notes that almonds, like pecans and walnuts, are high in fat, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis in pets. A whole almond is also hard, dense and about the size of a cat's throat, so it is a real choking and blockage hazard. Salted, smoked, candied and chocolate-covered almonds add more risks. Here is what to do if your cat ate one and which signs need a vet.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read2 sources
Why almonds are a poor choice for cats
Sweet almonds sold for food are not toxic to cats, but the ASPCA lists almonds among nuts whose high fat content can cause vomiting, diarrhea and possibly pancreatitis. A cat is small, so even a couple of almonds is a large dose of fat relative to its body size.
There is no nutritional reason to share. The Cornell Feline Health Center describes cats as obligate carnivores that rely on nutrients found only in animal products. Almonds offer plant fat, fiber and protein that a cat is not built to use well.
If you share a safe morsel, offering it from a shallow cat bowl or hiding it in a puzzle feeder keeps the amount small.
The choking and blockage risk
A whole almond is hard and smooth. A cat that tries to swallow one whole, rather than chewing, can choke, and a swallowed almond may not break down in a cat's small digestive tract, risking a blockage. Sliced and slivered almonds are less of a choking hazard but carry the same fat.
Kittens and cats that like to bat small objects around the floor are most at risk of picking one up. Keep bowls of nuts, trail mix and baking supplies in closed containers and off low tables.
Salted, flavored and coated almonds
Salted almonds add sodium, which the ASPCA warns can cause excessive thirst and urination and, in large amounts, more serious signs. Smoked and seasoned almonds may include garlic or onion powder, which can damage a cat's red blood cells.
Chocolate-covered almonds carry methylxanthines, and candied or honey-roasted almonds add sugar. The ASPCA lists both chocolate and xylitol among foods dangerous to pets, and some sugar-free nut products use xylitol. Almond-flavored baked goods often contain several of these ingredients.
If your cat ate an almond
Check your cat's mouth and look for pieces on the floor, then work out how many almonds are missing and what kind. One plain almond in a healthy adult cat usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset, if anything at all.
Call your vet if your cat ate several almonds, any salted, seasoned or chocolate-covered almonds, or if you think it swallowed one whole. If chocolate or a xylitol product was involved, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. A fee may apply.
Kittens and almonds
Almonds are a bigger risk for kittens, whose throats and intestines are smaller and whose bodies react more strongly to a rich, fatty food. A kitten that plays with an almond and swallows it can choke or develop a blockage.
Do not give almonds or almond products to kittens. If a kitten swallowed a whole almond, call your vet the same day for advice, even if it seems fine. Watch closely for gagging, vomiting or a kitten that stops eating.
Signs of trouble and when to call a vet
Mild signs after a small amount include drooling, vomiting, soft stool or a quiet day. Signs of choking include gagging, pawing at the mouth, open-mouth breathing or distress, which need emergency care straight away.
Over the next day or two, call your vet the same day for repeated vomiting, refusing food, a painful belly, lethargy, straining in the litter box or no stool, which can point to a blockage or pancreatitis. Mention exactly what kind of almonds your cat ate.
Better treats for cats
A thumbnail-size piece of plain cooked chicken, turkey or white fish suits a carnivore far better than a nut. Freeze-dried meat treats made for cats are easy to portion and keep within Cornell's guidance of about 10 to 15 percent of daily calories for treats.
If your cat enjoys chasing small objects, give it cat toys designed to be batted safely, so nuts are not the thing it plays with.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Are almonds toxic to cats?
Sweet almonds sold for food are not toxic to cats, but they are high in fat and can cause vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis. Whole almonds are also a choking and blockage hazard, so it is best not to share.
Can cats eat almond butter?
A tiny lick of plain almond butter with no xylitol is unlikely to harm a cat, but it is very fatty and offers nothing a cat needs. Check the label for xylitol and keep jars out of reach.
Can cats eat almond flour or almond cookies?
Almond flour is fatty but not toxic. Almond cookies and pastries usually contain butter, sugar and sometimes chocolate or sweeteners, so they are not suitable for cats.
What nuts are toxic to cats?
The ASPCA warns that macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and that almonds, pecans and walnuts are high in fat for all pets. No nut is a good treat for cats, and moldy nuts can be dangerous.
My cat ate an almond. Should I worry?
One plain almond usually causes little or no trouble in a healthy adult cat. Watch for choking, vomiting or diarrhea, and call your vet if your cat ate several, swallowed one whole or ate a flavored type.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
