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Is Carambola Star Fruit toxic to cats?

Averrhoa carambola

Toxic to cats

Yes — carambola star fruit 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 carambola is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The fruit contains caramboxin (a neurotoxin) and soluble oxalates that can cause vomiting, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, renal failure in pets. The fruit is also contraindicated for humans with chronic kidney disease.

What to do if your cat ate carambola star fruit

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

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

Is carambola star fruit toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is carambola star fruit toxic to cats?

Yes — carambola star fruit is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Averrhoa carambola is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The fruit contains caramboxin (a neurotoxin) and soluble oxalates that can cause vomiting, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, renal failure in pets. The fruit is also contraindicated for humans with chronic kidney disease.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats carambola star fruit?

Averrhoa carambola is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats. The fruit contains caramboxin (a neurotoxin) and soluble oxalates that can cause vomiting, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, renal failure in pets. The fruit is also contraindicated for humans with chronic kidney disease. 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 carambola star fruit.

What should I do if my cat ate carambola star fruit?

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 carambola star fruit toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Carambola Star Fruit is toxic to dogs as well. See the full carambola star fruit pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to carambola star fruit?

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 carambola star fruit pet-safety