Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Rough-Shelled Macadamia toxic to cats?

Macadamia tetraphylla

Toxic to cats

Yes — rough-shelled 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 list Macadamia tetraphylla individually, but macadamia nuts are recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center as toxic to dogs. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia within about 12 hours. Treat this species and its nuts as dog-toxic; clear fallen nuts and consult a vet on ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate rough-shelled macadamia

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

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

Is rough-shelled macadamia toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rough-shelled macadamia toxic to cats?

Yes — rough-shelled 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 list Macadamia tetraphylla individually, but macadamia nuts are recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center as toxic to dogs. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia within about 12 hours. Treat this species and its nuts as dog-toxic; clear fallen nuts and consult a vet on ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rough-shelled macadamia?

The ASPCA does not list Macadamia tetraphylla individually, but macadamia nuts are recognised by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center as toxic to dogs. Ingestion causes weakness, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and hind-limb ataxia within about 12 hours. Treat this species and its nuts as dog-toxic; clear fallen nuts and consult a vet on ingestion. 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 rough-shelled macadamia.

What should I do if my cat ate rough-shelled 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 rough-shelled macadamia toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to rough-shelled 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 rough-shelled macadamia pet-safety