Pet safety
Is Lemon Tree 'Meyer' toxic to cats?
Citrus × meyeri
Yes — lemon tree 'meyer' 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 Lemon (Citrus species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles — essential oils and psoralens — are concentrated in the peel, leaves, and stems and cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential dermatitis. The fruit flesh is edible to people, but keep pets from chewing the plant or peel.
What to do if your cat ate lemon tree 'meyer'
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move lemon tree 'meyer' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of lemon tree 'meyer' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten lemon tree 'meyer', contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is lemon tree 'meyer' toxic to cats? — FAQ
Is lemon tree 'meyer' toxic to cats?
Yes — lemon tree 'meyer' 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 Lemon (Citrus species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles — essential oils and psoralens — are concentrated in the peel, leaves, and stems and cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential dermatitis. The fruit flesh is edible to people, but keep pets from chewing the plant or peel.
What are the symptoms if a cat eats lemon tree 'meyer'?
The ASPCA lists Lemon (Citrus species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles — essential oils and psoralens — are concentrated in the peel, leaves, and stems and cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential dermatitis. The fruit flesh is edible to people, but keep pets from chewing the plant 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 lemon tree 'meyer'.
What should I do if my cat ate lemon tree 'meyer'?
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 'meyer' toxic to dogs too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lemon Tree 'Meyer' is toxic to dogs as well. See the full lemon tree 'meyer' pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a cat-safe alternative to lemon tree 'meyer'?
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 'meyer' pet-safety
- Is lemon tree 'meyer' toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is lemon tree 'meyer' toxic to dogs?
- My cat ate lemon tree 'meyer' — emergency steps
- Best cats-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete lemon tree 'meyer' care guide