Pet safety
Is Calamondin orange toxic to cats?
Citrus × microcarpa
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. The ASPCA individually lists Calamondin Orange (Citrus mitis, a synonym of Citrus x microcarpa, family Rutaceae) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principles are citrus essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens, concentrated in the peel, leaves, and stems; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential photosensitivity (dermatitis). The fruit flesh is lower-risk, but keep pets from chewing the plant and call your vet if it is eaten.
What to do if your cat ate calamondin orange
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move calamondin orange 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 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. The ASPCA individually lists Calamondin Orange (Citrus mitis, a synonym of Citrus x microcarpa, family Rutaceae) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principles are citrus essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens, concentrated in the peel, leaves, and stems; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential photosensitivity (dermatitis). The fruit flesh is lower-risk, but keep pets from chewing the plant and call your vet if it is eaten.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats calamondin orange?
The ASPCA individually lists Calamondin Orange (Citrus mitis, a synonym of Citrus x microcarpa, family Rutaceae) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principles are citrus essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens, concentrated in the peel, leaves, and stems; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential photosensitivity (dermatitis). The fruit flesh is lower-risk, but keep pets from chewing the plant and call your vet if it is eaten. 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
- Is calamondin orange toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is calamondin orange toxic to dogs?
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete calamondin orange care guide