Autumn is the season of dried fruit and offers a vast range of them. Can cats eat pistachios? Let’s find out together!
Raise your hand if you have never given food to the cat, perhaps during their own snack, because they are pitied by its languid and hungry gaze. During these quick meals, fruit is often the master, which is not the default food for our little cats. For example, can cats eat pistachios? Here’s what to know about it.
Fruit in the cat’s diet
When it comes to nutrition, the cat, as we know, is an extremely curious animal but at the same time very selective: almost nothing seems to be suitable for its refined palate and the occasions in which it rejects our proposals are not rare.
In reality, behind the apparent pickiness of the cat there are very specific food needs, which we cannot fail to consider in the preparation of a menu that is really suitable for our furry dog.
The cat is a forced carnivore: it cannot do without meat; it can never be missing from his menu, indeed, it must be present in a preponderant way. This does not mean that he cannot eat other types of food, as long as they are in modest quantities.
Fish, eggs, cereals, can bring benefits to the feline, provided they are given in the right measure. What about fruit? The cat in nature does not eat it, nor does it need it, because it does not bring significant benefits.
Indeed, the negative risks are much greater. This is not to say that the cat will never taste fruit, but it will require close supervision on our part.
Cats and pistachios: a combination to… avoid
Yes, cats cannot eat pistachios; or rather, it is not recommended. We reassure readers, these are not fruit that can cause cat poisoning, but that does not mean that they can eat them.
The reason is obvious: excessive consumption (even if it may seem like a small dose to you) could cause the feline gastrointestinal pain and possible vomiting. Not to mention that dried fruit is not very digestible for the cat, and this could cause intestinal swelling.
Another danger is that of obstruction within the intestine, a very dangerous condition that could even have fatal consequences. This usually occurs if the cat has ingested fruit shells or seeds.
The risk is that he may accidentally swallow the pistachio shells, especially if they are left unattended at home.
Useful tips
- Prevention is always better than cure: therefore, if you are fond of pistachios, it is better to hide them in an inaccessible place for our curious cats;
- If the cat has eaten pistachios, do not panic: as mentioned, it is a type of dried fruit that is not poisonous for our furry pets. The real risk is that they have eaten an excessive amount of pistachios or have ingested the shells;
- If the cat shows signs of discomfort due to the ingestion of pistachios, immediately take him to the trusted veterinarian;
- If you do not know which food was bad for the cat, but keep the pistachios in a place accessible to the animal, report the circumstance to the professional.
