Spices
Can cats eat nutmeg?
If your cat ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Cats can develop the same myristicin toxicity from a large nutmeg ingestion as dogs, with signs that can take days to fully resolve.
Toxic principle: myristicin
Watch for
- disorientation
- hallucination-like behavior
- elevated heart rate
- high blood pressure
- dry mouth
- abdominal pain
- tremors
- seizures in severe cases
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-12
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat nutmeg?
Cats can develop the same myristicin toxicity from a large nutmeg ingestion as dogs, with signs that can take days to fully resolve.
What should I do if my cat ate nutmeg?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
What symptoms should I watch for with nutmeg and cats?
disorientation, hallucination-like behavior, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, dry mouth, abdominal pain, tremors, seizures in severe cases. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
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