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Can Cats Eat Macadamia Nuts?

🚫 Not Recommended
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just ate something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
No. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and are treated as unsafe for cats too.

Why it’s a problem

An unknown toxin in macadamias causes weakness, tremors and fever in dogs, and published cat cases are rare only because cats rarely eat nuts. With high fat on top and no known safe dose, vets advise keeping all macadamias away from cats.

How to serve it safely

Store nuts, cookies and trail mix containing macadamias out of reach, and never offer any nut as a treat.

Warning signs to watch for

Vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, muscle tremors and elevated temperature within about 12 hours.

When to call the vet

Contact a vet promptly after any macadamia ingestion, even if the cat seems fine at first.

Common questions

Are other nuts safe for cats?

Most nuts are not toxic like macadamias, but all are fatty, salty and a choking risk. Nuts are best left off the cat menu entirely.

More foods for cats

Salmon✅ SafeYes, when fully cooked and unseasoned. Salmon is a nutritious fish most cats enjoy.Tuna⚠️ In ModerationOccasional small amounts only — tuna should be a treat, never a meal.Cow’s Milk🚫 Not RecommendedBetter to skip it. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and milk gives them stomach upset.Garlic☠️ ToxicNo. Garlic is poisonous to cats — even more potent per gram than onion.Cooked Eggs✅ SafeYes, fully cooked and plain. Eggs are a protein-rich treat cats usually enjoy.Cheese⚠️ In ModerationSmall bites are usually fine, but many cats cannot digest dairy well.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away.