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Is Buddha's Hand Citron toxic to cats?

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

Toxic to cats

Yes — buddha's hand citron 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. The ASPCA lists Citrus species as toxic to cats and dogs, with essential oils and psoralens as the toxic principles; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and, with skin contact, photosensitive dermatitis. The fragrant rind and oils of Buddha's hand fall under this citrus toxicity, so keep it away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate buddha's hand citron

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move buddha's hand citron 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 buddha's hand citron to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is buddha's hand citron toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is buddha's hand citron toxic to cats?

Yes — buddha's hand citron is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Citrus species as toxic to cats and dogs, with essential oils and psoralens as the toxic principles; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and, with skin contact, photosensitive dermatitis. The fragrant rind and oils of Buddha's hand fall under this citrus toxicity, so keep it away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats buddha's hand citron?

The ASPCA lists Citrus species as toxic to cats and dogs, with essential oils and psoralens as the toxic principles; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and, with skin contact, photosensitive dermatitis. The fragrant rind and oils of Buddha's hand fall under this citrus toxicity, so keep it away from pets. 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 buddha's hand citron.

What should I do if my cat ate buddha's hand citron?

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 buddha's hand citron toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Buddha's Hand Citron is toxic to dogs as well. See the full buddha's hand citron pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to buddha's hand citron?

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 buddha's hand citron pet-safety