Cats
UncertainIdentity or evidence quality is not strong enough for a firm answer.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
cat safety reference
Is Macadamia Nut safe for cats?
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.
Australian NutMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia Nut TreeQueensland Nut
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats: keep them away from macadamia nuts. The dramatic hindlimb weakness syndrome is documented in dogs, not cats — but Pet Poison Helpline still treats macadamias as a precautionary toxin for cats, mostly because the high fat content is a real pancreatitis and GI risk and published feline data is too thin to be reassuring.
What to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, and signs of abdominal pain (hunched posture, refusing food) from the fat load. Watch for the choking and obstruction risk a whole nut presents to a small mouth, and for any salt-toxicity or chocolate-coated additions if the nut wasn't plain. The classic dog signs (hind-leg weakness, tremors, hyperthermia) are not reported in cats.
Time window
Onset and recovery in cats are not well documented. By analogy with the canine syndrome and with feline dietary indiscretion, GI signs — if they appear — usually show up within 12 hours and resolve within 24–48 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
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.
Sources: ASPCA (dogs-only entry), Pet Poison Helpline.
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.
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
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and botanical distribution for Macadamia integrifolia.
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