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Pet safety

Is Kumquat toxic to cats?

Fortunella japonica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists kumquat as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Kumquat (Fortunella) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain — treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a citrus relative its peel and foliage contain the same essential oils and psoralens that make ASPCA-listed citrus (lemon, lime, orange, calamondin) toxic, and its hybrid calamondin is ASPCA-listed as toxic. Keep pets from chewing leaves or peel.

What to do if your cat ate kumquat

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

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

Is kumquat toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is kumquat toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists kumquat as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Kumquat (Fortunella) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain — treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a citrus relative its peel and foliage contain the same essential oils and psoralens that make ASPCA-listed citrus (lemon, lime, orange, calamondin) toxic, and its hybrid calamondin is ASPCA-listed as toxic. Keep pets from chewing leaves or peel.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats kumquat?

Kumquat (Fortunella) is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain — treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a citrus relative its peel and foliage contain the same essential oils and psoralens that make ASPCA-listed citrus (lemon, lime, orange, calamondin) toxic, and its hybrid calamondin is ASPCA-listed as toxic. Keep pets from chewing leaves or peel. 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 kumquat.

What should I do if my cat ate kumquat?

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 kumquat toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to kumquat?

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 kumquat pet-safety