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Is Candlenut toxic to cats?

Aleurites moluccanus

Toxic to cats

Yes — candlenut 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. Candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus belongs to the Euphorbiaceae and the raw nuts contain phorbol esters, saponins, toxalbumins and traces of hydrocyanic acid; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Raw nuts are a drastic purgative causing vomiting, severe diarrhoea and abdominal pain, and the irritant sap can affect skin, so keep pets away from raw nuts and foliage.

What to do if your cat ate candlenut

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

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

Is candlenut toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is candlenut toxic to cats?

Yes — candlenut is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus belongs to the Euphorbiaceae and the raw nuts contain phorbol esters, saponins, toxalbumins and traces of hydrocyanic acid; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Raw nuts are a drastic purgative causing vomiting, severe diarrhoea and abdominal pain, and the irritant sap can affect skin, so keep pets away from raw nuts and foliage.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats candlenut?

Candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus belongs to the Euphorbiaceae and the raw nuts contain phorbol esters, saponins, toxalbumins and traces of hydrocyanic acid; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Raw nuts are a drastic purgative causing vomiting, severe diarrhoea and abdominal pain, and the irritant sap can affect skin, so keep pets away from raw nuts and foliage. 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 candlenut.

What should I do if my cat ate candlenut?

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 candlenut toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to candlenut?

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 candlenut pet-safety