Is Kola Nut toxic to cats?

Yes — kola nut is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Kola nut seeds contain the methylxanthines caffeine and theobromine, the same stimulant class that makes chocolate toxic to pets, so the nuts should be treated as toxic to dogs and cats even though Cola nitida is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Documented effects in dogs given kola extract include excitement, tremors, convulsions, drowsiness and gastrointestinal upset. Keep seeds and any cola products well away from pets and contact a vet immediately if ingested.

Kola nut seeds contain the methylxanthines caffeine and theobromine, the same stimulant class that makes chocolate toxic to pets, so the nuts should be treated as toxic to dogs and cats even though Cola nitida is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Documented effects in dogs given kola extract include excitement, tremors, convulsions, drowsiness and gastrointestinal upset. Keep seeds and any cola products well away from pets and contact a vet immediately if ingested. 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 kola nut.

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.

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

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.