Last Updated : November 24, 2022

Can cats eat sesame seeds?

Pet owners have a beautiful and amazing connection with their cats and they enjoy being with them just like their cats love being around their owners. The bond is so strong that owners will like to have every little chuck on the information about the food given to their precious cats. It is also the human’s responsibility to ensure that the food being given to the cats is safe for their health and will not bring any issues.

Keep this fact in mind that there is no guarantee that food healthy for humans would be safe for the cats as well. So, if you have a question like, can a cat eat sesame seeds? Or are sesame seeds healthy for cats? Just continue reading as you will get all your answers as soon as you complete this short but comprehensive article.

Can cats eat sesame seeds

Do cats eat sesame seeds?

In a single word, YES. Cats can safely eat sesame seeds. Cats usually like eating such seeds as well. Cats eat various kinds of seeds and the good thing is that most seeds are quite beneficial while some should be avoided at all costs.

Although sesame seeds are not completely safe for the cats to eat, feeding them occasionally or in small quantities will not bring any bad effects in most cases.

You can count sesame seeds as sunflower seeds as both of these are quite the same in nutritional and physiological benefits and don’t cause any immediate health issues as well.

Are sesame seeds healthy for cats to eat?

Sesame seeds are jam-packed with a wide range of nutrients and protein that can fulfill almost all the nutritional needs of cats.

Sesame seeds cannot only provide health benefits but help with cats’ physiological needs and requirements as well. As you know, cats are carnivores, they love to get all their proteins and nutrients directly from meat or meat-based foods.

The bad thing about carnivores is that they cannot eat green or plants and even if they eat, they wouldn’t be able to digest them properly. So, sesame seeds are healthy for cats to eat but they will not be as comprehensive for cats in terms of nutrition as compared to the omniverse.

Are sesame seeds safe for cats to eat?

Sesame seeds are completely safe for cats to eat and if you look at their composition, it is probably one of the best foods for humans in terms of their nutrients.

Although they are safe, it doesn’t mean that you can give them freely without thinking about any health issues or diseases.

Just keep one thing in mind, as long as you are feeding sesame seeds on an occasional basis and in small quantities, they are safe and somewhat healthy as well for the cats to eat.

Are sesame seeds poisonous for cats to eat?

Do keep this fact in mind that many foods and seeds that are completely safe for humans are poisonous to cats and many other animals. We can say that sesame seeds are not poisonous to cats but they are chlorides which means that if given in higher quintiles or regularly, there are prominent chances that they can disturb the cat’s digestive system and may cause some short-term illness or health issues as well.

Are sesame seeds toxic for cats to eat?

Sesame seeds are not toxic at all. Some people assume that these seeds are toxic because their cats started to show some signs of illness or symptoms.

There is no denying that cats can get ill after eating sesame seeds but it doesn’t mean that they are toxic. The illness can occur if your cats have eaten too many seeds or your cat’s stomach was already a bit disturbed and eating seeds made the thing worse.

What are the nutritional benefits of sesame seeds for cats?

It has been said many times that sesame seeds are filled with almost all the nutritional benefits food can offer to cats.

Dry Sesame seeds (100 grams)Nutrition Facts
Sodium11mg
Potassium468mg
Carbohydrates23.5g
Fiber11.8g
Protein17.7g
Calcium975mg
Zinc7.8mg
Copper4.1mg
Manganese2.5mg
Thiamine0.8mg
Niacin4.5mg
Net carbs11.6g
Calories573
Vitamin B60.8mg
Vitamin E0.3mg
For a Serving Size of 100 grams (100g) dried sesame seeds

Below is a short description of each advantage that your cats will enjoy after eating sesame seeds:

  1. Sesame seeds have a good amount of zinc and calcium. If given with a proper diet plan, it can help straighten the bones, skin, teeth, and different parts of the cats.
  2. Sesame seeds have an appropriate amount of copper which is highly effective in not only curing swelling and pain in joints but making the blood veins and joints strong as well.
  3. The seeds are filled with dietary fiber which is extremely beneficial in keeping the stomach and digestive system of a cat good and away from different issues. Apart from this, fiber also helps in reducing the fat in cats’ bodies which will bring benefits in the long run.
  4. Eating sesame seeds on an occasional basis can also help in keeping the cholesterol level in your cats at a balanced point.
  5. If your cat is feeling some minor issues in its liver which can easily occur after eating too much protein or the wrong food, giving a few sesame seeds can cure the stress and illness of the liver.

What can happen if cats eat too many sesame seeds?

Sesame seeds don’t usually cause any issues if given in proper quantity or not so frequently. Also, experts claim that sesame seeds do not cause immediate issues but when cats eat too many sesame seeds, there is a prominent risk of facing various health issues and diseases such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Species and salt can badly affect the digestive system and stomach of cats.
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Dizziness
  • Laziness
  • Food avoidance
  • Depression
  • Increase in body heat

Another thing that can effectively be caused if cats eat too many sesame seeds is the risk of choking. If seeds are raw and taken in huge quantities, they can get stuck in the cat’s mouth which may cause her to choke and can end up in their death as well.

When cats should not eat sesame seeds?

The very first thing is that your cats should never eat sesame seeds if they have a sensitive stomach or they are feeling dull for any reason. Apart from this, if your cat is experiencing any of the below-mentioned health issues, illnesses, or diseases, it is better to avoid sesame seeds at all costs:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Kitten is too young
  • Cats too old

Apart from this, if your cat is pregnant, make sure you never feed any of such risky foods that can cause health issues. Feeding sesame seeds during pregnancy can increase the heat level in the cat’s body which can directly affect the health of the cat and its child as well.

How to serve sesame seeds to cats?

If you have ever done a bit of research, you would know that sesame seeds are used in a wide range of forms from raw or oil to boiled, roasted, and cooked. As far as cats are concerned, it is always better to shun the sesame seeds before giving them to the cats.

Once the seeds have been shunned and you have pure, dust-free seeds, roast them properly because cooked seeds are the best form to feed and your cats appreciate them as well. The basic reason why roasting is recommended is that it makes it easier for cats to chew and digest seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sesame seeds harm kittens?

Cooked sesame seeds are good for kittens to eat as long as they are enjoying it. Experts recommend not to feed seeds if kittens are too young but if their age is somewhat above 9-10 months then there should be no harm or risk of health at all.

Can cats have the oil of sesame seeds?

Sesame seeds oil is just like the sesame seeds themselves without an outer shell. It is safe and healthy as well for the cats to eat but should be given in tiny quantities. The oil in moderation can help cats resolve their indigestion issues and make their stomach function better as well.

Can cats eat sesame seeds every day?

In a single word, NO. Sesame seeds contain high amounts of protein and other nutrients and feeding them regularly can cause various kinds of health issues. However, experts claim that feeding your cat sesame seeds 2 times a week will not bring any issues. Make sure you are only feeding seeds in small quantities just like a snack.

Can sesame seeds kill cats?

No and Yes. Sesame seeds are not toxic or poisonous. This means that eating them may bring a wide range of health issues but will not lead to cat death in most cases. But as the seeds are quite tough to chew (if not roasted or cooked), they can get stuck in the cat’s mouth and cause them to choke. This factor can lead to their sudden death.

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