Is Shagbark Hickory toxic to cats?

No — shagbark hickory is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats. It is a sensible choice for a home with a cat; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Shagbark hickory and the Carya genus are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, so the tree and foliage pose no poisoning risk. The nuts, however, are not a safe pet treat: like other Carya/Juglans relatives they can develop aflatoxin and tremorgenic moulds (causing vomiting, tremors or seizures), the hard shells and large size risk choking or intestinal blockage, and the high fat can cause pancreatitis. Keep fallen nuts away from pets.

Yes — the ASPCA lists shagbark hickory as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A cat that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Shagbark Hickory is non-toxic to dogs as well. See the full shagbark hickory pet-safety guide for both species.

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a cat home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best cats-safe plants list to check more before you buy.