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

My 4 kg cat snatched a macadamia nut cookie from the holiday buffet — what should I do now?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

This is an urgent situation because macadamia nuts are toxic to pets. Even though the cookie portion might be small, the nuts can cause weakness, wobbliness, and tremors in cats, typically within 12 hours of ingestion. Given your cat's small size, the risk is higher. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately for guidance specific to your pet.

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 →