Pet safety
Is Bitternut Hickory toxic to cats?
Carya cordiformis
No — bitternut hickory is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Bitternut (Carya cordiformis) as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. As with all hickories, whole nuts pose a choking and GI-obstruction risk, and moldy fallen nuts can harbour tremorgenic mycotoxins, so clear decaying nuts from pet areas.
Is bitternut hickory toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is bitternut hickory toxic to cats?
No — bitternut hickory is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. ASPCA lists Bitternut (Carya cordiformis) as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. As with all hickories, whole nuts pose a choking and GI-obstruction risk, and moldy fallen nuts can harbour tremorgenic mycotoxins, so clear decaying nuts from pet areas.
Is bitternut hickory safe for cats?
Yes — the ASPCA lists bitternut hickory as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.
Is bitternut hickory toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bitternut Hickory is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full bitternut hickory pet-safety guide for both species.
What other plants are safe for cats?
Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.
Full bitternut hickory pet-safety
- Is bitternut hickory toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is bitternut hickory toxic to dogs?
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete bitternut hickory care guide