Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Cashew toxic to cats?

Anacardium occidentale

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cashew 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. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a poison-ivy relative (Anacardiaceae), the sap and raw nutshell contain urushiol-type oils that are caustic and skin-irritating, and the rich, salted, often seasoned nuts are not suitable for pets.

What to do if your cat ate cashew

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

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

Is cashew toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cashew toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cashew 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. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a poison-ivy relative (Anacardiaceae), the sap and raw nutshell contain urushiol-type oils that are caustic and skin-irritating, and the rich, salted, often seasoned nuts are not suitable for pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cashew?

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a poison-ivy relative (Anacardiaceae), the sap and raw nutshell contain urushiol-type oils that are caustic and skin-irritating, and the rich, salted, often seasoned nuts are not suitable for pets. 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 cashew.

What should I do if my cat ate cashew?

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 cashew toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cashew?

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 cashew pet-safety