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My cat just chewed on a walnut shell and ate some walnut meat, do I need to worry?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

Do not feed walnuts to your cat; it is a high‑risk toxin and you need veterinary help right away. Walnut shells can splinter and cause intestinal blockage, and the nuts may contain mold tremorgenic toxins. Keep any remaining walnuts out of reach and monitor your cat for vomiting or signs of distress. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888‑426‑4435 immediately.

Walnuts — Food safety facts

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

Risk of mould tremorgenic toxins and blockage; the shell can splinter. Avoid entirely.

Open the full food page: Walnuts food facts →

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