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Is Lemon tree toxic to cats?

Citrus limon

Toxic to cats

Yes — lemon tree 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 lists Citrus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to citrus oils (limonene and linalool). Leaves and rind are most concentrated; the flesh is low-risk but acidic.

What to do if your cat ate lemon tree

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

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

Is lemon tree toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lemon tree toxic to cats?

Yes — lemon tree is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Citrus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to citrus oils (limonene and linalool). Leaves and rind are most concentrated; the flesh is low-risk but acidic.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lemon tree?

ASPCA lists Citrus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to citrus oils (limonene and linalool). Leaves and rind are most concentrated; the flesh is low-risk but acidic. 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 lemon tree.

What should I do if my cat ate lemon tree?

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 lemon tree toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to lemon tree?

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 lemon tree pet-safety