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Is Kaffir Lime toxic to cats?

Citrus hystrix

Toxic to cats

Yes — kaffir 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. ASPCA classifies Citrus species (e.g. lime, Citrus aurantifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and skin photosensitivity/dermatitis, particularly from the peel, leaves, and stems. As a Citrus species, makrut lime carries the same risk.

What to do if your cat ate kaffir lime

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

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

Is kaffir lime toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is kaffir lime toxic to cats?

Yes — kaffir lime is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA classifies Citrus species (e.g. lime, Citrus aurantifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and skin photosensitivity/dermatitis, particularly from the peel, leaves, and stems. As a Citrus species, makrut lime carries the same risk.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats kaffir lime?

ASPCA classifies Citrus species (e.g. lime, Citrus aurantifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and skin photosensitivity/dermatitis, particularly from the peel, leaves, and stems. As a Citrus species, makrut lime carries the same risk. 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 kaffir lime.

What should I do if my cat ate kaffir 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 kaffir lime toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to kaffir 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 kaffir lime pet-safety