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Is California Nutmeg toxic to cats?

Torreya californica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists california nutmeg as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Torreya californica belongs to the Taxaceae family. The seeds contain toxic alkaloids and should not be consumed raw by humans or animals. ASPCA does not individually list Torreya californica, but as a Taxaceae member in the same family as toxic Taxus (yew) species, and given veterinary literature reporting toxicity of Torreya seeds, treat this plant as potentially harmful to dogs and cats and keep it out of reach.

What to do if your cat ate california nutmeg

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move california nutmeg 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 california nutmeg to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is california nutmeg toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is california nutmeg toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists california nutmeg as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Torreya californica belongs to the Taxaceae family. The seeds contain toxic alkaloids and should not be consumed raw by humans or animals. ASPCA does not individually list Torreya californica, but as a Taxaceae member in the same family as toxic Taxus (yew) species, and given veterinary literature reporting toxicity of Torreya seeds, treat this plant as potentially harmful to dogs and cats and keep it out of reach.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats california nutmeg?

Torreya californica belongs to the Taxaceae family. The seeds contain toxic alkaloids and should not be consumed raw by humans or animals. ASPCA does not individually list Torreya californica, but as a Taxaceae member in the same family as toxic Taxus (yew) species, and given veterinary literature reporting toxicity of Torreya seeds, treat this plant as potentially harmful to dogs and cats and keep it out of reach. 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 california nutmeg.

What should I do if my cat ate california nutmeg?

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 california nutmeg toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: California Nutmeg is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full california nutmeg pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to california nutmeg?

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 california nutmeg pet-safety