What should I do if my cat ate Macadamia Nut?

Call a vet or Pet Poison Helpline right away if your cat ate more than a fragment, if the nut was salted, chocolate-coated, or part of a baked good, or if you see vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or refusal to eat. Even if your cat seems fine, a same-day call is reasonable because feline pancreatitis can take 24–72 hours to declare itself.

What should I do if my dog ate Macadamia Nut?

Remove any remaining nuts from your dog's reach and note how many were eaten and your dog's weight before you call. Do not induce vomiting at home unless your vet or Pet Poison Helpline tells you to. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) right away if your dog has eaten any macadamia nuts — don't wait for symptoms. Get to the clinic in person if you see tremors, an inability to stand, persistent vomiting, or if the nuts were chocolate-coated (chocolate compounds the risk).

Macadamia Nut — (c) Thomas Mesaglio, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Mesaglio — Photo by (c) Thomas Mesaglio, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas MesaglioiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Thomas Mesaglio, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas MesaglioiNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Macadamia Nut

Q: Is Macadamia Nut safe for cats?

Macadamia Nut has uncertain toxicity for cats. Evidence is currently insufficient to determine toxicity in cats; however, owners should prevent ingestion and consult a veterinarian if consumption occurs.

Q: Is Macadamia Nut safe for dogs?

Macadamia Nut is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to significant discomfort and temporary mobility issues. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has consumed any part of the plant or nuts.

Macadamia integrifolia

Macadamia integrifolia is a tropical evergreen tree known for producing edible nuts, though the nuts themselves are known to cause specific adverse reactions in dogs. While commonly grown for food production, it is occasionally kept as a specimen plant in warm climates.

Check a list

Australian NutMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia Nut TreeQueensland Nut

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Tree
Care: Moderate

Safety status

Cats

Uncertain

Identity or evidence quality is not strong enough for a firm answer.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

No specific clinical data is available regarding feline ingestion of Macadamia nuts.

Escalation note

Evidence is currently insufficient to determine toxicity in cats; however, owners should prevent ingestion and consult a veterinarian if consumption occurs.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and joint pain or stiffness.

Escalation note

Ingestion can lead to significant discomfort and temporary mobility issues. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has consumed any part of the plant or nuts.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Macadamia nut is listed as toxic to dogs, causing weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Accepted scientific name and botanical distribution for Macadamia integrifolia.

cats safety page dogs safety page My dog ate Macadamia Nut

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Hops

Humulus lupulus

Hops are fast-growing perennial vines primarily known for their use in brewing, featuring rough, lobed leaves and papery, cone-like flowers. While popular in gardens, they contain compounds that can cause severe health issues in certain pets.

Uncertain for cats.

Potentially toxic for dogs.