Why?
Nutella contains cocoa, meaning theobromine and a little caffeine, which cats clear very slowly. It has less than dark chocolate, but enough to cause problems in a small animal depending on how much is eaten. The rest is mostly sugar, oil and hazelnuts, which are very fatty and hard to digest, plus milk powder.
How much?
No amount is recommended. Don't leave the open jar, knives or spoons to lick, or spread-covered crepes and toast lying around.
The risks
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Restlessness and racing heart from the theobromine
- Tremors if a larger amount is eaten
- Stomach pain from the fat and hazelnuts
Your cat ate some: what now?
Call your vet or an animal poison control center without waiting for symptoms: they'll assess the risk based on how much was eaten and your cat's weight. Keep the jar so you can give them the ingredients. Don't try to make your cat vomit yourself.
Better options
For something indulgent, a lickable cat treat will make your cat happy with no risk.
Common questions
My cat licked a Nutella spoon, is that serious?
One lick doesn't contain much theobromine, but call your vet for advice, especially if your cat is small or ate more. Watch it closely over the next few hours.
Is Nutella less dangerous than dark chocolate?
Yes, it contains much less cocoa. But it's still not safe: it does contain theobromine, and the sugar and fat alone can make your cat sick.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.