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Can cats eat walnuts?

Cats should not eat walnuts as treats. Nuts are high-fat, awkward to chew, and moldy walnuts can carry toxins. A stolen crumb is usually monitoring — a shared handful is not a plan.

Not medical advice — general pet-safety info only. Confirm with your vet before changing your cat’s diet.

Updated Aug 8, 2026 Category Nutrition

Alternatives to walnuts for cats

Nut bowls stay with people. These cat treats fit the reward job.

Meat-based cat treats

Meaty rewards beat high-fat nut bowls.

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Single-ingredient cat treats

Simple meat treats without nut oils.

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Crunchy cat treats

Cat-sized crunch without walnut shells.

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How much is okay?

Do not offer walnuts.

Kitten / small adult
None planned
Keep it tiny and occasional.
Typical adult
None planned
Plain preparation only.
Large / big appetite
None planned
Still an extra, not a meal.

Rule of thumb: treats of all kinds should stay under ~10% of daily calories.

How to prepare them

  • Keep nut bowls and baking bags secured.
  • Skip candied, salted, and chocolate-covered walnuts.
  • Use a meaty cat treat instead of nut snacks.

Risks & exceptions

  • High fat can upset stomachs.
  • Hard pieces are a choking risk.
  • Moldy nuts are unsafe.

Walnuts are a people nut snack, not feline food.

If they ate too many

If they ate more than intended, watch for stomach upset and changes in behavior.

  • Soft stool
  • Mild vomiting

Call your vet / pet poison line if:

  • Choking
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Moldy nut exposure

FAQ

Are walnuts toxic to cats?

They are not a planned treat — fat, size, and mold risk make them a skip.

Can cats eat walnut cookies?

No — cookies add sugar and possibly chocolate or xylitol.

What about other nuts?

Most nuts are poor cat snacks — see almonds and peanuts pages.

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from product links. Safety guidance is editorial and may change — verify with your veterinarian for your cat.