Can cats eat Nutella? This question probably popped up in your mind for a reason. I can only assume that you’re having some pancakes and your cat’s screaming bloody murder to get some.
I know how this usually ends. You give in to her demands because you can’t stand to look at her “suffering”.
Truth be told, I’m no stronger than you when it comes to my furry devil. However, we must be aware of the fact that some foods can be harmful to our pets.
The question you have to ask yourself is can cats eat Nutella safely? Before you offer her this sweet treat, you must know the dangers it poses.
Can cats eat Nutella?
Honestly, it’s best if you keep the jar of this sweet cream locked up away from your cat. If she stole a bite of pancake off your plate, you shouldn’t be panicking instantly.
It’s possible she won’t suffer any consequences if it was just a nibble or two. But if you have a stubborn pet, you may find yourself in trouble.
We know how greedy felines can be, so if a fight breaks out between the two of you over some Nutella, we know who wins…
Make sure this doesn’t happen because a larger amount can bring many problems. This delicious spread isn’t supposed to be a part of your cat’s diet.
Therefore, we’ll just say that your pet is better off without Nutella. Instead, opt for some cat-appropriate treats or fruits low in sugar.
What’s the big deal?
I don’t think you’re totally unaware of the harmful ingredients found in this food. However, I believe it’s important to stress how these can affect your furkid.
Next to hazelnuts, Nutella consists of cocoa, milk powder, as well as palm oil. And of course, we can’t leave out the high amounts of sugar!
1. Can cats eat Nutella because of cocoa?
No, no, no, and no. Cocoa is one of the ingredients that makes Nutella hazardous to cats. Actually, it’s poisonous to them.
The reason behind this is the presence of two main chemical compounds: theobromine and caffeine. These two are also found in chocolate cake, as cocoa is one of its main components.
Felines are unable to digest these chemicals so a build-up is inevitable. Eventually, these compounds will cause suffering with minor to severe side effects.
Some of the symptoms of cocoa toxicity are vomiting, diarrhea, as well as fatigue. More serious symptoms include seizures, coma, and tremors.
2. Milk powder?
This should be an easy one for experienced cat parents. However, lots of people still struggle when it comes to milk and other dairy products.
They find it hard to figure out if it’s okay for felines. While it’s not toxic, milk can cause a couple of problems in your cat’s digestive system.
Cats are lactose intolerant, believe it or not. So, all of the commercials and cartoons of our furry companions drinking milk are a myth.
Felines lack the enzymes needed for breaking down the sugar in milk. So, if you wonder can cats eat Nutella because of its milk content, the answer is no.
Just as is the case with humans who are lactose intolerant, pets can get diarrhea and an upset stomach. Also, bloating, gases, and vomiting are common occurrences.
3. What about hazelnuts?
When it comes to hazelnuts, they shouldn’t be your main worry. Can cats eat Nutella depends on a lot more than just plain nuts.
However, you should be careful around these small foods because they aren’t considered your pet’s main choice of food.
Although they have proteins and other health benefits, it’s still a plant-based treat. Felines are obligate carnivores which means they can’t benefit a lot from plant materials.
Meat provides them with everything they need in order to survive. While hazelnuts can be a fun addition to her protein supply, it’s not necessary.
Moreover, one of the risks includes choking hazards. They’re small, round, and can easily slip down her throat; and hard to digest as well.
This being said, make sure you keep a close eye on your pet. These nuts are packed with fat which isn’t good news. It can lead to various health issues such as obesity.
4. Can cats eat Nutella because of palm oil?
This type of vegetable fat is derived from palms. We all know them as trees that produce coconut, but can cats eat Nutella because of palm oil?
Unfortunately, the answer’s leaning more to the no. Palm oil isn’t toxic to cats but isn’t safe either. If ingested, it’s possible your pet will suffer from abdominal pain.
Also, she may exhibit symptoms of an upset stomach, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Palm oil is high in fats which is another reason why we should keep it away from our furry friends.
Furthermore, it can be a potential hazard to your cat’s intestines. Due to its semi-solid state, it can easily get stuck in your cat’s digestive system.
These blockages may require surgical interventions. So, if you want to play it safe, stay out of the palm trees with your pet!
5. What about sugar?
I don’t really enjoy this part, but we must go through it. Sugar is one of the most popular sweeteners in the world. However, it’s also popular in causing diseases.
You can easily get hooked on it, and so can your pet. If she’s been having access to sweet treats such as waffles, you might be in trouble.
I know they’re irresistible but felines aren’t capable of breaking down plant matter in their digestive systems. Sugar is a carbohydrate and is found in massive amounts in Nutella.
Unfortunately, it can be harmful to your furry pal. In the long run, it can negatively affect her dental health and cause tooth decay.
Some other symptoms and consequences might come a bit more serious. Obesity is one of the most common pet killers today. This is a sickness that many people don’t take seriously. Unfortunately, it completely ruins their quality of life and puts them at risk of various illnesses.
Your pet could put on some weight and before you know it, her legs are giving up. All of this additional weight adds to the misery in her life.
She could suffer from arthritis, especially in her older years. As if it wasn’t enough, your cat may develop diabetes. Just like humans, they’re prone to getting certain diseases.
This is why you should keep waffles, pancakes, and other sweets away from your pet.
Keep Nutella away from your Cinderella!
Besides some of the obvious ingredients that could harm your cat, Nutella has more secrets. Well, they’re more common sense than secrets if we choose to acknowledge them.
This sweet treat is packed with fat and calories, next to the high amount of carbs that are found in a single jar of Nutella.
So, before you ask yourself can cats eat Nutella, consider the following facts!
Most of the fat that comes from Nutella is highly saturated. These are also known as unhealthy fats because they’re extremely processed.
I know you try to refrain from indulging in this delicacy so you won’t put on any extra weight. The same goes for your pet.
It’s just that they’re more prone to obesity than humans because their digestive systems are not designed to digest sweets. Next to becoming overweight, fats and calories can affect your cat’s cardiovascular health.
High-fat content foods might increase the chances of your feline developing heart diseases and suffering a stroke. the reason for this is the blood clotting that happens as a consequence of ingesting too many fats.
Bottom line
Before you let your cat have a sniff of your pancakes or waffles with Nutella, remember these facts. While it’s hard to resist the urge, it’s the only way to keep your cat safe.
Besides some additional health issues that can be a result of your pet eating sweets, caffeine is poisonous to felines.
The good news is that cats aren’t drawn to sweets, believe it or not. They lack the taste buds that would allow them to enjoy the taste.
Therefore, you won’t do her any damage by not sharing your treats with her. Instead, it’s the other way around. You can do more damage by having good intentions and wanting to share.
Read more: Can Cats Eat Marmite? Feed It Or Leave It?
