What are the symptoms of Nutmeg poisoning in cats?

hallucinations (disoriented, fearful behavior), elevated heart rate, seizures, dry mouth, abdominal pain, possibly death

Nutmeg

Q: Can cats eat Nutmeg?

Toxic: Never — myristicin causes neurological symptoms. Nutmeg contains myristicin, a toxic compound that causes hallucinations, elevated heart rate, disorientation, and seizures in cats. It is found in pumpkin pie spice, eggnog, and many baked goods. Even small amounts can cause alarming symptoms; large amounts can be fatal. Cats are more sensitive to myristicin than dogs due to their smaller size and different metabolism. Source: ASPCA.

Toxic

Verdict

Never — myristicin causes neurological symptoms.

Toxic principle: myristicin

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-06-12

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Nutmeg contains myristicin, a toxic compound that causes hallucinations, elevated heart rate, disorientation, and seizures in cats. It is found in pumpkin pie spice, eggnog, and many baked goods. Even small amounts can cause alarming symptoms; large amounts can be fatal. Cats are more sensitive to myristicin than dogs due to their smaller size and different metabolism.