Can cats eat macadamia nuts?
No. Macadamia nuts are very fatty, and VCA says they are also toxic and can cause illness in cats. Keep them out of your cat's reach and contact your vet if your cat eats any.
Updated:
Why
Cats Protection lists macadamia among nuts whose high oil and fat content can make cats unwell. VCA says macadamia nuts are very fatty, potentially causing pancreatitis, and also toxic, causing illness in cats. Detailed descriptions of macadamia poisoning mostly come from dogs, but we use the stricter level for cats.
Signs to watch for
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Overheating (high body temperature)
What to do
Contact your vet straight away if your cat ate macadamia nuts. Note how many she ate and when, and keep the packaging. Don't try to make your cat sick at home.
24-hour help by country →Questions and answers
Are macadamia nuts worse than other nuts?
Yes. Most nuts are very fatty, but VCA says macadamia nuts are also toxic and can cause illness in cats, such as weakness, tremors and overheating.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Cats and human foods — Cats Protection
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
- Cats and poisons — International Cat Care
- Dos and don'ts for a cat-safe game day! — VCA Animal Hospitals (no date shown)
- How To Choose Safe Holiday Foods for Pets — VCA Animal Hospitals (no date shown)
- Common cat poisons and toxins — Blue Cross
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.