Can cats eat peanuts?

Updated 12/05/2023

Peanuts are rich in protein, ‘good’ fats and fibre - all nutritious elements that us humans thrive off. And in the Sapiens world, it seems we can’t get enough of them - perfect salad toppers, late night Netflix snacks and perfect for jazzing up a stir fry, these little nodules of nutrition are deeply ingrained into many of our diets. But can cats eat peanuts, or are peanuts poisonous to cats? Let’s find out.

Can cats eat peanuts? 

Technically yes, cats can eat peanuts. But, like many other human-safe foods, there really is no point in letting your kitty nibble on peanuts. Cats are carnivores, so should be fed a diet made up predominantly of meat - they’ll be healthier and happier that way. Peanuts, on the other hand, are packed with fat, and so could cause obesity in the long run. You might be wondering why your cat seems so interested in your snacks if they’re not a necessary part of their diet. Well, it’s mainly a mystery to us humans, but the likelihood is that cats are drawn to foods that are high in protein and calories, and peanuts tick both of those boxes.

Are peanuts safe for cats? 

Peanuts are safe for cats, to an extent (but only if they’re not coated in salt, which is toxic to cats!). If your kitty was to eat mountains of peanuts every day for a long period of time though, it could lead to obesity, which as you can imagine, is seriously bad news for our feline friends. Another hazard to consider is choking. Unlike meat (which your kitty should be eating), peanuts are hard and need lots of chewing before they can be swallowed. The danger is that your cat won’t chew the peanut properly and will in turn choke (it’s not worth the risk in our books). There’s also a chance that your kitty may be allergic to peanuts, so again, it’s really not worth the risk.

Are peanuts poisonous to cats? 

No, peanuts aren’t poisonous to cats, but they’re not particularly good for them. And as peanuts are often coated in lots of salt, they should be steered completely clear of, as salt is toxic to cats. Your kitty will thrive off a meat-based diet, so anything outside of that is pretty much redundant (unless recommended by your vet).

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

Foods that are safe for cats

So as with lots of foods that us humans enjoy, peanuts aren’t inherently bad for your kitty to try (unless coated in salt), but they shouldn’t be a regular snack for your feline friend. And as a rule of thumb, any major dietary changes should always be run by your vet, or just stick to commercially-available cat food that’s right for your kitty’s age, breed, and any health conditions. If you do like to experiment with your kitty’s palate though, get in the know about what cats can and can’t eat. To get you started, here are a few foods that are safe for cats (but shouldn’t make up a huge part of their diet).

• Fish
• Eggs
• Bananas
• Bread (similar to peanuts – no actual advantage to this and so probably not recommended).