Cats should not eat walnuts. Walnuts are not toxic to cats in small amounts, but they can cause digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach upset due to their high fat content, which cats are not adapted to digest. Additionally, whole walnuts or large pieces can be a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal blockages. Moldy walnuts are especially dangerous as they can produce toxins harmful to cats. Therefore, it is safest to avoid feeding walnuts to cats altogether and contact a veterinarian if a cat shows any signs of distress after walnut ingestion.
Summary of Risks of Walnuts for Cats
- High fat content causes digestive upset
- Potential choking hazard or intestinal blockage
- Risk of mold toxins causing neurological symptoms
- Not nutritionally beneficial for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores and thrive best on diets primarily consisting of animal protein rather than nuts or high-fat plant foods.