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Is Macadamia nuts toxic to dogs or cats?
Category: Food | Last reviewed: April 2026
Quick verdict
Dogs
TOXICCats
CAUTIONMacadamia nuts and dogs
Macadamia nuts cause a unique syndrome in dogs involving hind limb weakness and tremors. The exact toxin is unknown. Symptoms are typically self-limiting and resolve within 48 hours, but treatment is still recommended as the condition is uncomfortable and disorienting.
Onset
12 hours
Symptoms
- - weakness
- - hyperthermia
- - vomiting
- - tremors
- - inability to walk
- - hindquarter weakness
What to do now
Contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet. Dogs usually recover, but vet care and monitoring is advised.
Toxicity is dose-dependent. Your dog's weight and the quantity consumed are both important - include these when you call poison control.
Macadamia nuts and cats
Macadamia toxicity is well documented in dogs but the specific syndrome has not been reported in cats. Cats do not typically seek out nuts. GI upset from the fat content remains a risk.
Onset
Unknown
Symptoms
- - possible GI upset
What to do now
Contact your vet if your cat has ingested macadamia nuts.
Data sources
- - ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- - Merck Veterinary Manual
- - Pet Poison Helpline
Last reviewed: April 2026
Data error? Email data@treatortoxic.com with a source reference.