Can cats eat peanut butter?

Why

Peanut butter is high in fat and calories, which can lead to pancreatitis or obesity if given too often. Many commercial brands also contain xylitol, a sweetener that is highly toxic to cats, so checking the label is essential.

If you do feed it

• Ensure the product contains absolutely no xylitol or other artificial sweeteners.
• Offer only a tiny smear (about the size of a pea) as an occasional treat, not a daily food.
• Choose unsalted, unsweetened varieties to avoid excessive sodium and sugar.
• Always supervise your cat while they eat it to prevent choking on the sticky texture.

Watch out for

• Xylitol (often listed as birch sugar or E967) which is deadly
• Chocolate or coffee flavors
• Salted or honey-roasted varieties with high sodium
• Choking hazards due to sticky consistency

Better choices