Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My senior cat ate a few macadamia nuts that fell off the holiday buffet table. Is this an emergency?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, this is an urgent situation. Macadamia nuts are toxic to cats and can cause weakness and wobbliness. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away for guidance, especially for an older cat.

Macadamia nuts — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Toxic to dogs — weakness, wobbliness and tremors within 12 hours. Usually recoverable, but call your vet.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Macadamia nuts should not be given to cats at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Macadamia nuts food facts page.

Open the full food page: Macadamia nuts food facts →