Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter

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can cats eat peanut butter

Can cats eat peanut butter? Peanut butter is safe to be eaten by your cats as it is not considered toxic to animals. However, since it is made of peanuts, cats should only eat it in small amounts.

Most cats love peanut butter. When you place a little amount on your finger, cats will love to lick it.

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Although, peanut butter is safe for your cats, it should not be eaten in large amounts. Even though peanut butter is rich in protein, it is also high in fat.

can cats eat peanut butter

How Often Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?

Peanuts contain high amount of healthy fats. Unfortunately, the digestive system of your feline friend is not built to break down large amount of fats, unlike our human body.  Healthy fats are okay to consume, but only in small amounts and when the calories from the fat will be burned off through exercise.

Apart from the difficulty of digestive the fats in peanut butter, the additives in peanut butter may cause stomach discomfort. It is best to give your cat’s peanut butter that is sodium-free and little sugar content.  Low sugar peanut butter options are available at many markets and stores, and should always be chosen over their high sugar content counterparts.  If you really want to play it safe, you can buy peanut butter at a pet store or boutique that is created only for cats and is without the difficult to digest ingredients.

Peanut butter should be given to cats as a treat only and in small quantities. You can give them half a teaspoon couple times a week.  Peanut butter should not be given every day because of the sugar and fat content.   Also, the cat may become used to eating the peanut butter regularly and forgo the traditional cat food s/he needs to survive.   Cats can be like children when they love a treat-keep in mind the healthy substance food is eaten before offering the peanut butter.

What Benefits Can Cats Get from Eating Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter is rich in protein and fats. Cats’ digestive systems are not designed to metabolize high amount of fats. If given in high doses, peanut butter may cause diarrhea. Some cats may even vomit.  Even though your cat may have a sensitive stomach and have trouble digesting the proteins and fats, those cats that do tolerate peanut butter will benefit from these nutrients.  Proteins will build your cats muscles and keep him/her strong and healthy.  The healthy fats will give your cat a healthy circulatory system, as well as smooth skin and a shiny coat.

Apart from protein, peanut butter is also rich in vitamin H or biotin. It enhances the sheen of your cat’s coat. Furthermore, it improves your pet’s skin and the strength of its nails.  Skin, hair, and nails are not only concerns of a human, but also of animals!  Broken nails and nails the are easily split can become infected and cause pain. Animals that have itchy skin tend to scratch and bite the skin, creating wounds and rashes that do not need to be there.  Cats that have insatiable itches may also become aggressive and irritable.  Reducing their skin problems by offering occasion fatty acids is an easy and natural way to combat itchy skin.

In addition to vitamin H, peanut butter also contains vitamin A, which targets your cat’s immune system. It protects your pet from any types of diseases.  Boosting your cats immune system is important especially if other cats are in the home, children are in the home, or if your cat is an outdoor cat.  Kitties become sick quickly and their colds and illnesses may spread between each other.  Having a strong immune system will prevent your cat’s illnesses from developing into serious health concerns later on.

Peanut butter has vitamin E and resveratrol that reduce risk of heart disease in cats. Other minerals found in peanut butter can provide some forms of protection against heart disease.

How About Allergies?

Like stated above, peanut butter should only be given to your cats occasionally or as a treat. The risk of your cats developing an allergy to peanut butter is present. Thus, if it is your cat’s first time to eat peanut butter, make sure to give him a little. Then, observe his reaction for possible peanut butter allergies like vomiting, diarrhea, itching, swelling and sneezing.

If these signs are present then your cat most likely is allergic to peanuts and peanut butter.  Research the potential reactions to peanut butter so you are aware of what to look for in regards to a reaction by your cat after consumption.  Be sure to call your vet with any concerns or if your cat is behaving out of character or seems to be in pain or having trouble breathing.

What To Do When A Cat Develops Diarrhea From Eating Peanut Butter

If your cat develops diarrhea and vomiting, you should immediately stop giving peanut butter to your cat. Do not give your pet Pepto Bismol, this is toxic to cats.

Another option is not to feed your cat anything for 8-12 hours, except water.

Also, mixing rice with cooked chicken has proven to help bind up the stool again.

However, if the diarrhea does not stop within 12 or 24 hours, you should visit the vet for proper treatment.

In addition to finding out whether or not your cats have allergy to peanut butter, feeding them a small amount is recommended because peanut butter may cause an obstruction to your pets’ throat. Remember that peanut butter forms a large clump. It is very sticky which may cause your pets to choke if it does stick to the walls of their mouth or throat.

Some veterinarians warn cat owners to avoid their cats to get used to the taste of peanut butter. The reason for this is that peanut butter can be used to mask the scent of a poison to trap a mouse. Now, if they get accustomed to eating such food and enjoying its taste, then it would be easy for them to eat the poisoned butter.

The nutritional value of peanut butter to cats is quite low. Thus, there is no need for you to give it to them on a regular basis. Despite the fact that your cat may want to eat human food, he is still an animal and should be fed a proper diet meant for cats. Giving them only human food can cause their stomach to get upset.

Conclusion

Peanut butter is not toxic to cats. However, some cats do develop allergic reactions to this tasty food. Start with a tiny amount at first and observe your pet carefully. This is to help them get accustomed to the taste and allow their digestive system to adapt to the components of peanut butter.

 

Related articles:

Can Cats Drink Almond Milk

References:

http://www.justanswer.com/cat-health/6m6d5-cats-eat-peanut-butter-safely.html

http://www.pet360.com/cat/nutrition/can-cats-eat-peanut-butter/WgyZiwoUakK3uZ0OEZhdwg

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

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