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Pet safety

Is Lisbon Lemon toxic to cats?

Citrus limon 'Lisbon'

Toxic to cats

Yes — lisbon lemon 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 limon) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens, most concentrated in the leaves, peel and stems. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and photosensitive dermatitis; keep the foliage and peel away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate lisbon lemon

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

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

Is lisbon lemon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lisbon lemon toxic to cats?

Yes — lisbon lemon 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 limon) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens, most concentrated in the leaves, peel and stems. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and photosensitive dermatitis; keep the foliage and peel away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lisbon lemon?

The ASPCA lists lemon (Citrus limon) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens, most concentrated in the leaves, peel and stems. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and photosensitive dermatitis; keep the foliage and peel away from pets. 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 lisbon lemon.

What should I do if my cat ate lisbon lemon?

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 lisbon lemon toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to lisbon lemon?

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 lisbon lemon pet-safety