Can Cats Eat Pecans?

If your cat had some pecans and you are worried sick, relax. It is not a cause for alarm because it is not fatal, at least not in small quantities.

Discoveries in the veterinary world cite that pecans are safe for cats to eat, but only in small quantities. Science also notes that it’s dangerous to feed huge amounts of pecans to your cat because of the significant amount of fat. Thus, if your cat consumes a few pecans, you don’t need to worry too much about it. But, if this feeding pattern is regular, you run the risk of your cat developing pancreatitis and other unpleasant digestive troubles such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Should cats feed on pecans?

The most critical concept of this question is moderation. It means that they are only safe in small quantities and occasionally. Secondly, they pose health risks when a cat eats them often and in huge amounts.

Nevertheless, they have a set of advantages and disadvantages too. We highlight each of them to help you make the right decision.

What are the advantages of cats eating pecans?

The nutritional value of pecans is common knowledge. But how do they positively impact your cat’s health? Here are a handful of the advantages they come with.

Vitamins and minerals

Pecans are a rich source of minerals and vitamins such as Vitamins A, B6 and E. Minerals such as folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, iron and calcium are plenty.

Omega-3

Pecans are rich in Omega-3, which builds a healthy body. Every cell wall relies on them for its proper structuring. They also keep the lungs healthy. The fatty acids in Omega-3 is crucial for general body health.

Full pack for energy

Omega-3 provides the body with enough energy.

Good for the heart

Just like all other nuts, pecans promote good heart health.

Protein

They’re a terrific source of protein. They provide a steady supply of protein for your pet.

Amino Acid

They offer a supply of amino acids, including arginine. In the process of making nitric oxide, the presence of this specific amino acid is critical. Nitric oxide is beneficial to the circulation of blood.

Eases constipation

They are a good source of dietary fibre which treats constipation.

Disadvantages of cats eating pecans

Although these nuts have such impressive components, they are more helpful to human beings than animals. The human body responds to them better than cats. So let’s look at their disadvantages to cats.

Obesity

Due to the significant amount of fat and calories in pecans, they cause obesity, especially if the cat takes them regularly. Excess weight in cats has the following effects.

• Risks of various cancers, diabetes, and heart disease
• Increased rate of joint deterioration due to osteoarthritis
• Stones in the urinary bladder
• Reduces heat tolerance

Pancreatitis

The high-fat content in pecans poses the danger of your cat developing pancreatitis. It’s a condition characterized by the inflammation of the pancreas. An inflamed pancreas has potent digestive enzymes that cause harm to the organ’s tissue.

When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it triggers the release of inflammatory cells and chemicals. They eventually harm other organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and the heart.

Choking

Pecans pose a risk of choking while swallowing. Some of the smaller nuts could potentially create intestinal obstructions besides being a choking hazard. This is common when eaten in large quantities.

Gastrointestinal irritation

Certain nut coatings can potentially irritate the digestive tract and could even be hazardous to the health of dogs. For example, a heavy layer of salt is characteristic of these nuts.

Salt is basically finely ground sodium. These sodium ions have toxic levels which develop as the cat consumes too much of the nuts.

Damages gastrointestinal linings

Swallowing cracked pecan shells causes harm to the gastrointestinal tract. This is because the shell fragments at sharp points or edges. These sharp edges end up causing considerable mechanical damage to the tissue in the GI tract.

They either slice or cut the tract linings. On the hand, if the shells are in the form of a fine powder, they could cause constipation. Why? Because of their ability to absorb water and build blockages. A cat’s digestion system lacks the appropriate enzymes to break down the fibers.

Allergy

There is a remote possibility that your cat is allergic to pecans, although this is an incredibly remote possibility. In the event that your cat does experience an adverse response to pecans or any other food, you should consult with a veterinarian.

Itchiness, skin sores, or excessive vomiting and diarrhea are typical signs that your cat may have a food allergy. If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Poisonous in extreme levels

The toxic element in pecans comes from mold that grow in them if they stay long. Mold are a wide variety of microscopic creatures, some of which are hazardous to animal health. A small amount of these pathogens causes seizures and harm the nervous system.

Summary of advantages and disadvantages of cats eating pecans

Advantages	Disadvantages
Rich in Vitamins and minerals	Causes allergies
Rich in Amino Acids	Damages gastrointestinal linings
Eases constipation	Increases choking chances
Rich in protein	Causes pancreatitis
Rich in Omega-3	Causes obesity
Lots of energy	Poisonous in extreme levels

What should you do if your cat takes too much pecans?

If your cat takes too many pecans, immediately give it a lot of water. If you notice it’s not drinking, administer the water using a syringe while you rush it to the veterinarian.

Conclusion

Pecans are unlikely to harm your cat, but they can create health problems when taken in large quantities. Your cat may experience a mild allergic reaction in the rarest of circumstances, too. Still, the safest option is not to feed them with nuts at all.

FAQs

1. What kind of nuts are toxic to felines?

Macadamia nuts are poisonous to your pets, but their exact way of poisoning remains undiscovered.

2. If you feed your cat nuts, what happens?

Nuts are more prone to cause esophageal, stomach, and intestinal obstructions than in dogs.