Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?

Published: May 3, 2023

Summary: “Is peanut butter good for cats?” Learn all things cats and peanut butter, including whether it’s safe for them, in this blog... 

 

Can Cats Have Peanut Butter? 

Technically, yes cats can have xylitol-free peanut butter (xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can be toxic to both cats and dogs, so it’s important foods you share with your pets don’t contain this ingredient!) – there's nothing that’s technically toxic in xylitol-free peanut butter for a cat.  

But it doesn’t nutritionally benefit a cat in the same way it does humans and too much peanut butter may result in gastrointestinal distress... 

Is Peanut Butter Good For Cats? 

Peanut butter - while technically safe for cats if xylitol-free - wouldn’t be considered as “good” for them by most pet health professionals. Peanut butter is high in fat, oil, and sodium which can negatively affect a cat’s health. The health risks of peanut butter - Christine O’Brien at Hill’s Pet argues - mostly outweigh the potential health benefits for our pets.  

Do Cats Like Peanut Butter? 

Typically, cats don’t tend to enjoy peanut butter as much as our canine friends.  

Cats and Peanut Butter 

Some pet parents may turn to peanut butter to help their pets take essential medicines like worming tablets. As one-offs like this, and in very small xylitol-free portions, the peanut butter shouldn’t impact your cat’s health. But consider hiding these essential medications in their regular food first if you haven’t tried this before.  

Cat diets don’t really need to be supplemented with other foods; they are built to survive on just meat and fish. If you’re concerned about the nutrient levels your cat is receiving via their diet, you should consult with their vet.  

Sources

Author O’Brien, Christine “Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?” Hill’s Pet, Jun 25. 2021 https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/nutrition-feeding/can-cats-eat-peanut-butter 

Author Dr. Walther, Ricky “Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter? Here's Everything You Need to Know” Pawlicy https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/can-cats-eat-peanut-butter/