Pet safety
Is Dukutoxic to cats & dogs?
Lansium domesticum
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Lansium domesticum
Is duku safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — duku is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Lansium domesticum is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. The skin of the fruit contains a bitter resin, and the seeds contain the alkaloid lansium A and related compounds. Because veterinary data is lacking for this species, a precautionary 'mildly-toxic' designation is used; keep pets from consuming leaves, bark, or seeds.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats duku?
Lansium domesticum is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. The skin of the fruit contains a bitter resin, and the seeds contain the alkaloid lansium A and related compounds. Because veterinary data is lacking for this species, a precautionary 'mildly-toxic' designation is used; keep pets from consuming leaves, bark, or seeds. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to duku, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate duku
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move duku out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of duku to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to duku
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Duku and pets — frequently asked questions
Is duku toxic to cats?
Duku (Lansium domesticum) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Lansium domesticum is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. The skin of the fruit contains a bitter resin, and the seeds contain the alkaloid lansium A and related compounds. Because veterinary data is lacking for this species, a precautionary 'mildly-toxic' designation is used; keep pets from consuming leaves, bark, or seeds. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is duku toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Duku (Lansium domesticum) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like duku is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats duku?
Lansium domesticum is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. The skin of the fruit contains a bitter resin, and the seeds contain the alkaloid lansium A and related compounds. Because veterinary data is lacking for this species, a precautionary 'mildly-toxic' designation is used; keep pets from consuming leaves, bark, or seeds. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to duku, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate duku?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of duku to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to duku?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full duku care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete duku care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.