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Is Black Walnut toxic to cats?

Juglans nigra

Toxic to cats

Yes — black walnut is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Juglans is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but black walnut is a well-documented animal hazard. Moldy nuts and hulls carry tremorgenic mycotoxins (penitrem A) that cause tremors, seizures and vomiting in dogs; the fatty kernels also risk GI upset and pancreatitis. Black walnut wood shavings cause laminitis in horses, and juglone is broadly toxic. Keep fallen nuts, hulls and shavings away from pets and livestock; consult a vet on ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate black walnut

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move black walnut out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of black walnut to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten black walnut, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is black walnut toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is black walnut toxic to cats?

Yes — black walnut is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Juglans is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but black walnut is a well-documented animal hazard. Moldy nuts and hulls carry tremorgenic mycotoxins (penitrem A) that cause tremors, seizures and vomiting in dogs; the fatty kernels also risk GI upset and pancreatitis. Black walnut wood shavings cause laminitis in horses, and juglone is broadly toxic. Keep fallen nuts, hulls and shavings away from pets and livestock; consult a vet on ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats black walnut?

Juglans is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but black walnut is a well-documented animal hazard. Moldy nuts and hulls carry tremorgenic mycotoxins (penitrem A) that cause tremors, seizures and vomiting in dogs; the fatty kernels also risk GI upset and pancreatitis. Black walnut wood shavings cause laminitis in horses, and juglone is broadly toxic. Keep fallen nuts, hulls and shavings away from pets and livestock; consult a vet on ingestion. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to black walnut.

What should I do if my cat ate black walnut?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is black walnut toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Black Walnut is toxic to dogs as well. See the full black walnut pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to black walnut?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full black walnut pet-safety