Can Cats Eat Nutmeg?
By Pettings · Sources checked Nov 2, 2026
No. Keep nutmeg away from cats. The ASPCA says nutmeg contains a chemical that can cause a wide range of problems in pets when large amounts are eaten. A cat gets nothing from nutmeg, and the dishes that contain it tend to bring other problem ingredients along.
Why Nutmeg Is a Problem for Cats
Nutmeg is a strong spice used in small amounts in human cooking. The ASPCA's warning focuses on larger exposures, such as a cat getting into a jar, a whole nutmeg or a bowl of spiced batter. A cat's small body size means an amount that seems minor to a person can be a lot for a 10-pound animal. The ASPCA does not give a specific amount, so the cautious approach is to keep it out of reach entirely.
Most nutmeg reaches a cat through food. Pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice blends combine nutmeg with cinnamon, sugar and often cream. Eggnog adds milk and sometimes alcohol, and the ASPCA lists both dairy and alcohol among foods to keep away from pets. Spiced lattes add milk and caffeine, which the ASPCA also flags. Holiday baking adds raw dough to the mix; the ASPCA warns that raw yeast dough can keep rising in the stomach and produce alcohol. Whole nutmeg seeds are hard and round and can be batted around and chewed.
Signs to Watch For
According to the ASPCA, pets exposed to large amounts of nutmeg can develop vomiting, dry mouth and agitation. Other reported signs include pupils that are larger or smaller than normal, a fast heart rate, difficulty walking or standing up, and hallucinations. A cat that is acting strangely, staring at nothing, pacing, stumbling or seems unable to settle after getting into a spiced dish needs prompt care. Signs from other ingredients in the dish may show up too, such as diarrhea from dairy.
What to Do If Your Cat Ate Nutmeg
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. Bring the package, jar or recipe so the vet can judge how much nutmeg was involved and what else was in the food, such as chocolate, xylitol, alcohol or raw dough. Note the time your cat ate it and how much is missing. Keep your cat in a quiet room while you get advice.
To prevent a repeat, store spice jars in a closed cabinet and cover pies and batters on the counter.
If your cat has a medical condition or eats a special diet, ask your veterinarian about any spices in your home.
Common Questions
How much nutmeg is toxic to cats?
There is no published amount for cats. The ASPCA says nutmeg contains a chemical that can cause problems in pets when large amounts are eaten, but it does not give a number. Because cats are small, treat any nutmeg beyond a lick from a dish as a reason to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Can cats eat pumpkin pie?
No, keep pumpkin pie away from cats. The filling usually contains nutmeg and cinnamon, which the ASPCA warns can cause problems in larger amounts, plus sugar, cream or evaporated milk. The ASPCA notes that pets lack much of the enzyme that digests milk sugar. If your cat wants pumpkin, a teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin with nothing added is the version to ask your vet about.
Can cats drink eggnog?
No. Eggnog combines nutmeg with milk, cream, sugar and often alcohol. The ASPCA lists dairy as a cause of diarrhea and digestive upset in pets and warns that alcohol can cause vomiting, poor coordination, breathing trouble and worse. If your cat drank eggnog, especially a spiked version, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away.
What are the signs of nutmeg poisoning in cats?
The ASPCA lists vomiting, dry mouth, agitation, pupils that are larger or smaller than normal, a fast heart rate, difficulty walking or standing and hallucinations for pets that eat large amounts of nutmeg. A cat that seems restless, stares at nothing or stumbles after getting into a spiced dish needs a call to your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Can cats eat pumpkin spice?
No. Pumpkin spice is a blend that usually includes cinnamon and nutmeg, and the ASPCA warns about both for pets. Pumpkin spice lattes add milk and caffeine, which the ASPCA also lists among foods to keep from pets. Baked goods add sugar, butter and sometimes xylitol. Keep these treats covered and out of reach during the fall season.