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Pet safety

Is Macadamia toxic to cats?

Macadamia integrifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — macadamia 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. The ASPCA does not individually list Macadamia integrifolia, but macadamia nuts are a well-documented toxin to dogs, recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia, typically within 12 hours. Treat the tree and its nuts as dog-toxic; keep fallen nuts cleared and contact a vet if a dog ingests any.

What to do if your cat ate macadamia

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

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

Is macadamia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is macadamia toxic to cats?

Yes — macadamia is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA does not individually list Macadamia integrifolia, but macadamia nuts are a well-documented toxin to dogs, recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia, typically within 12 hours. Treat the tree and its nuts as dog-toxic; keep fallen nuts cleared and contact a vet if a dog ingests any.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats macadamia?

The ASPCA does not individually list Macadamia integrifolia, but macadamia nuts are a well-documented toxin to dogs, recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia, typically within 12 hours. Treat the tree and its nuts as dog-toxic; keep fallen nuts cleared and contact a vet if a dog ingests any. 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 macadamia.

What should I do if my cat ate macadamia?

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 macadamia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to macadamia?

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 macadamia pet-safety