Pet safety
Is Navel Orange Washingtontoxic to cats & dogs?
Citrus sinensis 'Washington'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Citrus sinensis 'Washington'
Is navel orange washington safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Navel Orange Washington is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. 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. The ASPCA lists orange (Citrus sinensis) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the peel, leaves, stems and seeds. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and potential photosensitive dermatitis. The peeled flesh is far lower risk, but keep pets from gnawing peel or leaves.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats navel orange washington?
The ASPCA lists orange (Citrus sinensis) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the peel, leaves, stems and seeds. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and potential photosensitive dermatitis. The peeled flesh is far lower risk, but keep pets from gnawing peel or leaves. 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 navel orange washington, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate navel orange washington
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move navel orange washington 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 navel orange washington 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 navel orange washington
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)
Navel Orange Washington and pets — frequently asked questions
Is navel orange washington toxic to cats?
Navel Orange Washington (Citrus sinensis 'Washington') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists orange (Citrus sinensis) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the peel, leaves, stems and seeds. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and potential photosensitive dermatitis. The peeled flesh is far lower risk, but keep pets from gnawing peel or leaves. 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 navel orange washington toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Navel Orange Washington (Citrus sinensis 'Washington') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like navel orange washington is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats navel orange washington?
The ASPCA lists orange (Citrus sinensis) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the peel, leaves, stems and seeds. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and potential photosensitive dermatitis. The peeled flesh is far lower risk, but keep pets from gnawing peel or leaves. 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 navel orange washington, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate navel orange washington?
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 navel orange washington to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to navel orange washington?
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 navel orange washington care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete navel orange washington care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.