Can Cats Eat Cashews?
By Pettings · Sources checked Nov 2, 2026
No. Keep cashews away from cats. Cashews are not named on the ASPCA list of toxic people foods, but the ASPCA warns that nuts with high oil and fat content can cause vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis in pets. Most cashews are also salted, and a whole cashew is a choking hazard for a cat.
Why Cashews Are a Problem for Cats
Cashews are a rich, fatty nut. The ASPCA names almonds, pecans and walnuts in its fat warning, and cashews share the same problem. The Cornell Feline Health Center describes a cat's natural diet as high in protein, moderate in fat and very low in carbohydrates, and cashews bring plant fat and starch with no animal protein. A few cashews are a lot of fat for a cat that weighs 10 pounds.
Salt is the next issue. Snack cashews are usually roasted and salted, and some are honey roasted, chili lime or seasoned with garlic. The ASPCA warns that too much salt can cause thirst and urination and, in larger amounts, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures. WSAVA cautions against treats with a size or shape that could cause choking, and a curved, firm cashew fits that description.
Cashews also turn up in mixes. Trail mix and party mix may pair them with raisins and chocolate, both of which WSAVA lists as toxic to cats. Cashew butter is concentrated fat. Cashew-based vegan cheeses and sauces often contain garlic and onion powder.
Signs to Watch For
The ASPCA says the fats in nuts can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Cornell notes that cats with pancreatitis may show only vague signs such as lethargy and a poor appetite, and some vomit, lose weight or have diarrhea. With salted cashews, watch for increased thirst and urination. If a cashew lodges in the throat, a cat may gag, drool, paw at its mouth or struggle to breathe.
What to Do If Your Cat Ate Cashews
If your cat ate more than one or two cashews, ate a salty or seasoned mix, or seems unwell, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. Bring the package so the vet can check the ingredients, and estimate how many are missing. Leave fresh water out. If your cat is struggling to breathe, go to an emergency clinic.
If your cat has pancreatitis, kidney disease or another medical condition, or eats a special diet, ask your veterinarian about any nuts it eats.
Common Questions
What happens if my cat eats a cashew?
One plain cashew is unlikely to cause more than mild stomach upset in an adult cat. The ASPCA warns that fatty nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea and possibly pancreatitis, and salted cashews add thirst and more stomach trouble. A whole cashew can also be a choking risk. Watch your cat for the next day and call your veterinarian if it vomits or stops eating.
Can cats drink cashew milk?
Cashew milk is not a good drink for cats. It is mostly water with ground cashews, often sweetened and flavored, and it has none of the animal nutrients Cornell says cats depend on. A lick of plain unsweetened cashew milk is unlikely to cause trouble, but there is no reason to offer it. Fresh water is what a cat needs.
Can cats eat cashew butter?
Cashew butter is not suitable for cats. It is concentrated cashew fat, and the ASPCA warns that the fat in nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea and possibly pancreatitis in pets. Some cashew butters add salt or sugar. If you are trying to hide a pill, ask your veterinarian for a better option, such as a pill pocket treat or a bit of wet food.
Can cats eat trail mix?
No. Trail mix should be kept from cats. Besides fatty, salted nuts, many mixes contain raisins and chocolate, which WSAVA lists among foods toxic to cats. If your cat got into trail mix, check the bag for raisins, chocolate candies or macadamia nuts, and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for advice.
Can kittens eat cashews?
No. Kittens should not eat cashews. A whole nut is a choking risk for a small throat, and the fat and salt are a lot for a small body. Keep bowls of nuts out of reach, since kittens bat small objects around and then chew them. If a kitten swallowed a cashew and is gagging or vomiting, call your veterinarian right away.