Nuts & seeds
Can cats eat cashews?
Not toxic, but cats have no need for nuts and the fat can cause an upset stomach.
Why Fat and salt; macadamia nuts in mixed packs
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
- If the mix contained macadamia nuts, chocolate or raisins, call your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
How much, how often
Best avoided.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Unsalted, unflavoured, cooked (never raw)
- Chop for small dogs
- Check mixed nut packs for macadamias
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
A few plain, unsalted cashews are fine for most dogs. They are fatty, so large amounts can upset the stomach — and some mixes contain dangerous macadamias.
How much: Two or three unsalted cashews occasionally.
Can dogs eat cashews?Cats In moderation
Not toxic, but cats have no need for nuts and the fat can cause an upset stomach.
How much: Best avoided.
The details
Raw cashews in their shells contain urushiol, the same irritant as in poison ivy, which is why the cashews we buy are always cooked. The real risk from nuts is the company they keep: trail mixes often combine cashews with macadamias, chocolate and raisins.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat cashews?
Not toxic, but cats have no need for nuts and the fat can cause an upset stomach.
How much cashews can a cat have?
Best avoided.
What makes cashews risky for cats?
Fat and salt; macadamia nuts in mixed packs.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
vomiting, diarrhoea.
What should I do if my cat ate cashews?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. If the mix contained macadamia nuts, chocolate or raisins, call your vet.
Is cashews safe for dogs too?
A few plain, unsalted cashews are fine for most dogs. They are fatty, so large amounts can upset the stomach — and some mixes contain dangerous macadamias.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
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