Can Cats Eat Cashews?

⚠️ In Moderation

✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just ate something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

Not toxic, but cashews are a dense fat bomb a cat should only nibble once in a while.

Why it’s a sometimes-food

Plain cashews are not poisonous to cats, but they are among the fattiest common nuts, and regular fatty snacks raise pancreatitis risk in cats. They are also usually sold roasted and salted, and that sodium is the bigger hazard for a 4 kg animal.

How to serve it safely

A small piece of one unsalted cashew now and then is plenty. Skip salted, honey-roasted and flavored mixes.

Warning signs to watch for

Diarrhea, vomiting and increased thirst after larger or salted servings; repeated fatty treats can lead to pancreatitis with abdominal pain and refusal to eat.

When to call the vet

Call your vet if a cat eats several cashews and then vomits repeatedly or seems in pain.

Common questions

Is cashew milk safer?

Slightly, but it is still processed fat with no feline benefit. Water and complete cat food cover everything a cat needs.

More foods for cats

Salmon✅ SafeYes, when fully cooked and unseasoned. Salmon is a nutritious fish most cats enjoy.Tuna⚠️ In ModerationOccasional small amounts only — tuna should be a treat, never a meal.Cow’s Milk🚫 Not RecommendedBetter to skip it. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and milk gives them stomach upset.Garlic☠️ ToxicNo. Garlic is poisonous to cats — even more potent per gram than onion.Cooked Eggs✅ SafeYes, fully cooked and plain. Eggs are a protein-rich treat cats usually enjoy.Cheese⚠️ In ModerationSmall bites are usually fine, but many cats cannot digest dairy well.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away.