Can Cats Eat Nutmeg? NZ Safety Answer

Quick answer

Avoid nutmeg for cats. A trace in a baked item is different from a cat eating spice directly, but nutmeg is not cat food and should be kept out of reach.

Why

Pet Poison Helpline's nutmeg and cinnamon toxicity guidance says nutmeg contains myristicin and can be a concern in large amounts. ASPCA's pumpkin spice guidance also warns about nutmeg exposure in pets. In NZ homes, likely sources include spice jars, eggnog-style drinks, pumpkin spice, Christmas cake, custard, biscuits, hot cross buns and cafe scraps.

If your cat ate it

Contact your NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.

Safer alternatives

Use complete cat food or a cat-specific treat. Keep spice jars, mixed spice, Christmas baking and creamy desserts away from cats.

Related reading

• Cat Food Guide NZ
• Cat Care NZ Complete Guide
• Pet Emergency Kit NZ Civil Defence Guide

References

• Pet Poison Helpline, Nutmeg and Cinnamon Toxicity, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/nutmeg-cinnamon-toxicity/
• ASPCA, When Pumpkin Spice is Not So Nice, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.aspca.org/news/when-pumpkin-spice-not-so-nice

Important notice

*General food-safety information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against ASPCA/VCA guidance (June 2026). For any suspected ingestion or illness, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.*