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Is Lime Tree toxic to cats?

Citrus × aurantiifolia

Toxic to cats

Yes — lime 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. The ASPCA lists Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens, concentrated in the peel, leaves, and stems, causing vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential photosensitive dermatitis. The fruit flesh is edible to people, but keep pets away from foliage and peel.

What to do if your cat ate lime tree

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

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

Is lime tree toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lime tree toxic to cats?

Yes — lime tree 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 Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens, concentrated in the peel, leaves, and stems, causing vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential photosensitive dermatitis. The fruit flesh is edible to people, but keep pets away from foliage and peel.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lime tree?

The ASPCA lists Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens, concentrated in the peel, leaves, and stems, causing vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential photosensitive dermatitis. The fruit flesh is edible to people, but keep pets away from foliage and 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 lime tree.

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

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

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