Can my pet eat pecans?

Even if you love munching on pecans, you shouldn't share them with your feline friend. Cats lack the digestive enzymes needed to process pecans, and eating them can lead to gastrointestinal distress and potential long-term health issues.

One major issue is that tree nuts, like pecans, have a very high fat content.

A diet too rich in fats can cause your cat to develop pancreatitis - inflammation of the pancreas - interrupting the organ's regular functions. Pancreatitis often results in lethargy, loss of appetite, and stomach pain. In severe cases, it can cause hospitalisation and intensive veterinary care.

On top of these concerns, the bacteria sometimes present in raw nuts (such as Salmonella or E. coli) can make your cat very sick.

Plus, pecans contain a compound called juglone, which is toxic to cats (dogs, too).

Pecan shells can also grow moulds. Mouldy pecans often contain aflatoxin, a harmful substance that can cause liver damage when eaten over time.

Finally, hard tree nuts like pecans can cause choking or intestinal blockages, especially in smaller animals like cats.

The bottom line: you should never feed pecans to your cat.

If your cat does eat pecans, you should reach out to your vet, especially if you're observing lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting. If your kitty ever requires veterinary care due to eating unsafe food, cat insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.