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Is Calamondin orange toxic to cats?

Citrus × microcarpa

Toxic to cats

Yes — calamondin orange 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. Toxic to pets. The ASPCA lists Calamondin Orange (scientific name Citrus mitis — a synonym of Citrus × microcarpa, family Rutaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, alongside other citrus such as orange and lemon. The toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the leaves, peel, stems and seeds; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression, and skin contact with the oils can trigger dermatitis and photosensitivity. The ripe fruit flesh itself is edible, but the rest of the plant is not — keep pets from chewing the foliage and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if they do.

What to do if your cat ate calamondin orange

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

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

Is calamondin orange toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is calamondin orange toxic to cats?

Yes — calamondin orange is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to pets. The ASPCA lists Calamondin Orange (scientific name Citrus mitis — a synonym of Citrus × microcarpa, family Rutaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, alongside other citrus such as orange and lemon. The toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the leaves, peel, stems and seeds; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression, and skin contact with the oils can trigger dermatitis and photosensitivity. The ripe fruit flesh itself is edible, but the rest of the plant is not — keep pets from chewing the foliage and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if they do.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats calamondin orange?

Toxic to pets. The ASPCA lists Calamondin Orange (scientific name Citrus mitis — a synonym of Citrus × microcarpa, family Rutaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, alongside other citrus such as orange and lemon. The toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the leaves, peel, stems and seeds; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea and depression, and skin contact with the oils can trigger dermatitis and photosensitivity. The ripe fruit flesh itself is edible, but the rest of the plant is not — keep pets from chewing the foliage and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if they do. 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 calamondin orange.

What should I do if my cat ate calamondin orange?

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 calamondin orange toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to calamondin orange?

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 calamondin orange pet-safety