Is Black Walnut Toxic to Cats?

Introduction

Cats can be curious and often like to eat things they shouldn't. As such, it is important to know what foods and materials are toxic to cats, so we can protect our beloved feline friends. One of such potential hazards is black walnut.

Black walnut is a popular choice for woodworking because of its strength, durability, and beautiful grain. It is also used for landscaping, as the tree produces nuts that can be eaten by humans and wildlife. However, black walnut contains a compound called juglone, which can be deadly for some animals, including cats.

What is Juglone?

Juglone is a natural compound found in the leaves, bark, nut hulls, and roots of plants in the Juglandaceae family, which includes black walnut, English walnut, and butternut trees. Juglone has allelopathic properties, meaning it can inhibit the growth of other plants and prevent them from growing under the tree canopy.

However, juglone is also toxic to many animals, including cats. Ingesting juglone or coming into contact with plants that contain juglone can cause gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, respiratory distress, and even death in severe cases.

How Does Juglone Affect Cats?

When a cat ingests or comes into contact with juglone-containing materials, they may display symptoms such as:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Jaundice
• Difficulty breathing

If you suspect your cat has ingested black walnut or any other plant containing juglone, take them to the vet as soon as possible.

Preventing Juglone Exposure in Cats

The best way to protect your cat from juglone exposure is to keep them away from black walnut trees, wood, and other potential sources of juglone. You should also be mindful of any other plants in your yard or home that might contain juglone.

If you have a black walnut tree in your yard, make sure your cat cannot access the nuts, bark, leaves, or roots. You may need to construct a barrier or fence around the tree or remove it altogether if you are concerned about your cat's safety.

If you have black walnut wood furniture or other items in your home, keep your cat away from them, and make sure they cannot chew or scratch the wood. You should also avoid using black walnut wood shavings or sawdust as cat litter, as this can expose your cat to juglone.

Finally, if you are unsure whether a plant or material contains juglone, consult your vet or a poison control hotline for advice.

Conclusion

While black walnut can be a beautiful and useful material, it can be deadly for cats and other animals. If you suspect your cat has ingested black walnut or any other plant containing juglone, seek veterinary care immediately. The best way to protect your cat is to prevent exposure by keeping them away from black walnut trees, wood, and other juglone-containing materials.

When in doubt, consult your vet or a poison control hotline for advice on how to keep your cat safe and healthy.

Sources:

• https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/is-black-walnut-toxic-to-pets/
• https://www.aspca.org/news/black-walnut-trees-can-be-toxic-pets
• https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/juglone-toxicity
• https://www.thespruce.com/black-walnut-trees-growing-tips-3269181