Can Cats Eat Nutella? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Risks
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Nutella is a tasty treat that people across the world love to eat. It’s a sweet, chocolatey hazelnut spread that makes for a yummy addition to your midday snack. Many people like to share their favorite treats with their cats as an opportunity to bond, which may lead you to wonder if you can safely share Nutella with your cat.
The bottom line is that cats should not eat Nutella. Keep reading to learn why!
Can Cats Eat Nutella?
No, cats cannot have Nutella.
Nutella is primarily made from hazelnuts, which are a cat-safe type of nut, though they are far from an ideal treat for cats. Hazelnuts are high in fat and calories, and since cats are obligate carnivores, nuts are not a natural part of a cat’s diet. But hazelnuts in very small quantities on occasion shouldn’t be an issue for your cat. However, Nutella also contains cocoa powder, which is not safe for cats due to the theobromine and caffeine naturally present in chocolate and cocoa.
For what it’s worth, your cat probably won’t be too upset about missing out on Nutella because cats cannot taste sweet flavors the same way that humans and dogs can.
Why Can’t Cats Have Chocolate or Cocoa?
Cocoa and chocolate contain two methylxanthines: caffeine and theobromine. The more cocoa is present in the chocolate, the higher the concentration of methylxanthines will be.
In small quantities, chocolate can lead to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, increased thirst, rapid heart rate and breathing, and increased urination. In large quantities, chocolate can lead to muscle tremors, dangerously high heart rate and abnormal rhythm, seizures, coma, and death.
Remember that “small” and “large” quantities are relative. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more methylxanthines are present. However, a cat is much smaller than a human or a big dog. This means that what may seem like a small amount of chocolate in your eyes or an amount of chocolate that has not been an issue for your 50-pound dog previously may still be a large enough amount of chocolate to make your cat seriously ill.
What Should I Do If My Cat Ate Some Nutella?
If your cat eats Nutella or any food you know they shouldn’t eat, the best thing to do is contact your cat’s veterinarian for guidance. Some factors can impact your cat’s overall health and ability to metabolize certain things. If your cat has a heart condition, for example, then Nutella may be more dangerous than it would be for a healthier cat. Your vet is always the best starting point.
If you come home to find your cat face first in a jar of Nutella, it might be a good idea to contact animal poison control or call the vet on the way to the clinic or emergency animal hospital. However, if your cat simply licked a little bit of extra Nutella off the end of the butter knife you left on the kitchen counter, the odds of a severe problem occurring are relatively low.
You’re far more likely to see mild side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, than you are to see a serious problem from such a small amount of Nutella consumption.
What Are Better Treat Options for My Cat?
There are many safe and healthy treats for your cat instead of Nutella. Since cats are obligate carnivores, lean animal proteins like chicken and fish are usually good options when fed in moderation. Treats should account for less than 10% of your cat’s daily diet. Remember that the average cat only needs 20–35 calories per pound of body weight per day. If your cat weighs 10 pounds, your cat likely only needs between 200 and 350 calories in a day.
Treats can add up quickly, so monitoring your cat’s treat consumption is an important part of ensuring your cat stays at a healthy weight and is receiving adequate nutrients.
Now that you know what you can safely feed your cat, it’s just as important to find a bowl that supports their health and well-being. With whisker-friendly bowls and a wide tray to catch any spills, our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite option.
Conclusion
Nutella is a big no-no for cats due to the cocoa powder present in the spread, as this is a toxic ingredient for pets. Hazelnuts on their own are not inherently unsafe for cats, but the calories in nuts can add up quickly, and the fat content can lead to stomach upset. It’s better to feed your cat lean treats, such as chicken, tuna, and salmon, or commercial treats that are specially formulated with cats in mind.
If your cat has gotten into some Nutella, always check with your vet to ensure that your cat doesn’t need to be seen.
Featured Image Credit: BrunO, Pixabay
