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Is Bilimbi toxic to cats?

Averrhoa bilimbi

Toxic to cats

Yes — bilimbi is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Averrhoa bilimbi is not listed by the ASPCA, but like its close relative carambola it is in a genus documented to contain high levels of soluble oxalic acid/oxalates (bilimbi fruit is among the most acidic of edible fruits) and related toxins. Ingestion risks gastrointestinal upset, low blood calcium and kidney injury in pets; keep fruit and trimmings away from animals and verify with a vet.

What to do if your cat ate bilimbi

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bilimbi out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of bilimbi to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten bilimbi, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is bilimbi toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bilimbi toxic to cats?

Yes — bilimbi is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Averrhoa bilimbi is not listed by the ASPCA, but like its close relative carambola it is in a genus documented to contain high levels of soluble oxalic acid/oxalates (bilimbi fruit is among the most acidic of edible fruits) and related toxins. Ingestion risks gastrointestinal upset, low blood calcium and kidney injury in pets; keep fruit and trimmings away from animals and verify with a vet.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bilimbi?

Averrhoa bilimbi is not listed by the ASPCA, but like its close relative carambola it is in a genus documented to contain high levels of soluble oxalic acid/oxalates (bilimbi fruit is among the most acidic of edible fruits) and related toxins. Ingestion risks gastrointestinal upset, low blood calcium and kidney injury in pets; keep fruit and trimmings away from animals and verify with a vet. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to bilimbi.

What should I do if my cat ate bilimbi?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is bilimbi toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bilimbi is toxic to dogs as well. See the full bilimbi pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bilimbi?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full bilimbi pet-safety