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Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are toxic to cats (and dogs), though less extensively studied in cats than in dogs. The specific toxic compound has not been identified, but ingestion consistently causes a distinctive syndrome of weakness, hyperthermia, vomiting, and tremors. The high fat content also poses an independent risk of pancreatitis.
Important Notes
Toxic compounds: unidentified; mechanism under investigation
Mechanism: unknown; hypothesised to involve disruption of fatty acid metabolism or mitochondrial function
Symptoms: weakness, hind limb tremors, vomiting, elevated body temperature (hyperthermia), lethargy; onset within 12 hours
Macadamia-containing products — cookies, trail mix, chocolate-covered nuts — carry additional risks from chocolate or xylitol
Contact your vet if your cat ingests macadamia nuts; monitor for tremor or weakness
Potentially Toxic Parts
Stem
Possible Symptoms Reported in Cats
Difficulty Breathing (Choking/Obstruction)
Respiratory · Immediate (during ingestion).
Pancreatitis
Gastrointestinal · Delayed (typically develops 24 to 72 hours after ingesting a high-fat load).
While the specific mysterious toxin in macadamia nuts is most widely documented to cause severe clinical signs in dogs
Metabolic
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal · Usually within 12 hours of ingestion.
Abdominal Pain and Loss of Appetite
Gastrointestinal · Within 12 hours.
Lethargy, Weakness, and Tremors
Gastrointestinal · Within 12 hours.
Hyperthermia (Fever)
Neurological · Within 12 hours.
Disclaimer: This summary was compiled from multiple sources and is for informational use only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Toxicity can vary based on the substance, amount, plant part, and individual cat. If you think your cat may have been exposed to a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian right away.