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Pet safety

Is Finger Lime toxic to cats?

Microcitrus australasica

Toxic to cats

Yes — finger lime 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 (including limes) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the peel, leaves, stems and seeds. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and, with skin contact, photosensitive dermatitis. As a Microcitrus (a true citrus relative), treat the finger lime the same way.

What to do if your cat ate finger lime

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

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

Is finger lime toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is finger lime toxic to cats?

Yes — finger lime 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 (including limes) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the peel, leaves, stems and seeds. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and, with skin contact, photosensitive dermatitis. As a Microcitrus (a true citrus relative), treat the finger lime the same way.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats finger lime?

The ASPCA lists Citrus species (including limes) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens concentrated in the peel, leaves, stems and seeds. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and, with skin contact, photosensitive dermatitis. As a Microcitrus (a true citrus relative), treat the finger lime the same way. 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 finger lime.

What should I do if my cat ate finger lime?

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 finger lime toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to finger lime?

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 finger lime pet-safety