Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter? Don't Confuse 'Can' With 'Should'

Cat eating peanut butter — How much is too much peanut butter for a cat? sophiecat / Shutterstock

Can cats eat peanut butter? Technically, yes — most cats can eat peanut butter in tiny amounts without immediate harm. But that doesn’t mean they should.

Peanut butter has little to no added nutritional benefit for cats and may cause health problems if overfed.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their nutritional needs are best met through meat, not human foods like peanut butter.

Is Peanut Butter Safe for Cats?

Peanut butter is made from ground peanuts, and while peanuts themselves aren’t toxic to cats, the final product isn’t exactly cat safe.

Most peanut butter contains added salt, sugar, or even harmful ingredients like xylitol — an artificial sweetener that is incredibly toxic to dogs and should be kept away from cats.

Even xylitol-free peanut butter may pose a risk due to its thick and sticky texture, which can be a choking hazard or irritate your cat’s throat.

Risks and Side Effects

Feeding cats peanut butter can lead to several issues, including:

Weight gain: It’s a high-calorie treat with high fat content.
Gastrointestinal upset: Cats may experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, or stomach pains.
Food allergies: Peanut allergies in cats can cause skin irritation or a more serious allergic reaction.
Choking: The sticky texture makes it hard for some cats to swallow.

If your cat shows signs of choking, difficulty breathing, or other health problems after eating peanut butter, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Why Do Some Pet Parents Offer It?

Some pet parents use peanut butter to hide pills or as a rare treat. But the risks often outweigh the rewards, especially with healthier treat options available.

Most cats don’t even like the taste; they lack a strong preference for sweets, unlike dogs.

If you do offer peanut butter, use a brand with no xylitol, no salt, and no added sugar. A portion the size of a pea is more than enough.

4 Healthier Alternatives

Cat eating treat — Is peanut butter bad for your cat? Let's put it this way: It's nowhere near as *good* for your cat as these other treats. PawelKacperek / Shutterstock

Instead of peanut butter, try these cat-safe treats.

Cooked chicken or turkey (no seasoning)
Freeze-dried meat treats
Unsalted peanuts (crushed and offered in moderation)
Cat-specific commercial treats that meet feline nutritional standards

These alternatives offer better nutritional value and are easier for healthy cats to digest.

Cats eat peanut butter out of curiosity, not need. If you’re looking for a treat for your feline friend, stick to meat-based or vet-approved options.

When introducing any new food, including peanut butter, observe for signs of an allergic reaction or digestive distress — and when in doubt, ask your vet.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.