Hazelnut

Cats handle fatty foods poorly, so hazelnuts can cause digestive upset; whole nuts are a choking risk, the mycotoxin concern is the same, and cats gain nothing from them.

Mycotoxins (in mouldy nuts)

Vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, lethargy; retching or trouble swallowing suggests choking.

Stop feeding and monitor; contact a vet if signs persist or mouldy nuts were eaten.

Even crushed hazelnut should be a rare pinch rather than a regular cat treat.

Hazelnuts are high in oil, so too many can cause vomiting and diarrhoea and may trigger pancreatitis; a whole nut can choke a small dog, and mouldy nuts may carry mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins (e.g. aflatoxins in mouldy nuts)

Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, poor appetite; a swallowed whole nut can cause retching, trouble swallowing or choking; mycotoxins can damage the liver.

A few plain unsalted hazelnuts usually need monitoring only; contact a vet immediately if vomiting or abdominal pain persists or mouldy nuts were eaten.

Throw away any nuts that are mouldy, blackened or smell off; feeding is limited to shelled, unsalted plain hazelnuts given crushed and in very small amounts.