Better to skip it
It is best not to give cats peanut butter. It is not toxic, but it has no nutritional value for cats, is high in fat and calories, is sticky enough to be a choking risk, and some brands contain xylitol.
| Can cats eat it? | Caution |
| Calories | Not recommended as a treat |
| Main benefit | Not toxic in a small lick (if xylitol-free) |
| Main risk | High fat and calories can cause weight gain and stomach upset |
| Kittens? | No |
A small amount is unlikely to cause serious harm in a healthy cat. Remove any remaining food, offer fresh water and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, a painful belly or lethargy over the next 24-48 hours. Call your vet if your cat ate a large amount, is small, young or has health problems (such as pancreatitis), or if the food contained onion, garlic, chocolate or xylitol.
These are safe for cats in treat-size amounts:
Check your cat's full daily needs with the cat food calculator.
It is best not to give cats peanut butter. It is not toxic, but it has no nutritional value for cats, is high in fat and calories, is sticky enough to be a choking risk, and some brands contain xylitol.
No, but it offers no benefit and can cause problems. Xylitol-containing brands should always be avoided.
Cats are drawn to fat and smell, not sweetness, which they cannot taste.
A single plain peanut is unlikely to harm a cat, but nuts are not a good treat.
No. Kittens are smaller and more vulnerable than adults, so it is best avoided entirely.
Browse lists: human foods cats can eat · foods cats can't eat
This guide is general information for healthy adult cats. Cats with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.
Caution
It is best not to give cats peanut butter. It is not toxic, but it has no nutritional value for cats, is high in fat and calories, is sticky enough to be a choking risk, and some brands contain xylitol.