nuts-seeds · Danger

Can cats eat macadamia nuts?

No. Macadamia nuts are a known toxin for pets and should be kept away from cats. They cause weakness and other reactions in dogs at small doses, and because cats are small and the exact feline risk is unclear, the safe approach is zero macadamias.

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Danger — keep macadamias away from petsTreat it as a poisoning risk

Can cats eat macadamia nuts?

No. Macadamia nuts are a known toxin for pets and should be kept away from cats. They cause weakness and other reactions in dogs at small doses, and because cats are small and the exact feline risk is unclear, the safe approach is zero macadamias.

Source-linked record · Last reviewed July 17, 2026 · Not veterinary advice

Why this answer

Macadamia nuts contain an as-yet-unidentified toxin that causes weakness, tremors, and fever in dogs even at low doses. The effect on cats is less documented, but the nuts are also very high in fat, which can trigger stomach upset or pancreatitis, and their size makes them a choking risk for a small mouth.

Watch for

  • Weakness, especially in the hind legs
  • Tremors or shaking
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Fever or wobbly walking in more serious cases

How much is okay

None — do not offer macadamia nuts, and keep cookies, trail mixes, and bark containing them out of reach.

Keep it away

  • Store macadamia nuts in sealed jars, not open bowls on the counter.
  • Keep baked goods and candy made with macadamias away from cats.
  • Sweep up any dropped nuts, since one can be enough to cause signs.
Sources and evidence notes (3)
  1. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Multi-species veterinary toxicology list covering alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, citrus, coconut, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, milk and dairy, nuts, onions, garlic and chives, raw meat and eggs, salty snacks, xylitol, and yeast dough.
  2. Food Hazards Merck Veterinary Manual — Veterinary toxicology reference section on human-food hazards in companion animals, including bread dough, chocolate, ethanol, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, and Allium species.
  3. Poison List Pet Poison Helpline — Veterinarian-maintained toxin database for dogs and cats, reachable at (855) 764-7661, with per-substance toxicity levels, signs, and species notes.

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