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

My 4 kg domestic shorthair found and ate three macadamia nuts hidden inside a human protein ball snack I dropped on the floor — what should I watch for?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

Watch closely for weakness and wobbliness. Macadamia nuts are toxic to cats as well as dogs, and three nuts in a 4 kg cat can cause tremors, difficulty standing, and a stiff gait within 12 hours. Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Helpline at 888-426-4435 now — do not wait to see if symptoms develop. Keep her in a small, safe space where she cannot fall or injure herself while uncoordinated. Most cats recover fully with supportive care, but prompt veterinary attention makes a real difference.

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.

Macadamia nuts has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the litter box and how quickly they finish the next meal.

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 →