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Pet safety

Is Longan toxic to cats?

Dimocarpus longan

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists longan 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. Longan is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so treat it with caution and verify with a vet. As a member of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), its seeds and shells contain saponins and hypoglycin-type compounds and should be kept away from pets. Ripe flesh is widely eaten, but never let animals access the seeds or rinds.

What to do if your cat ate longan

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

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

Is longan toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is longan toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists longan 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. Longan is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so treat it with caution and verify with a vet. As a member of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), its seeds and shells contain saponins and hypoglycin-type compounds and should be kept away from pets. Ripe flesh is widely eaten, but never let animals access the seeds or rinds.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats longan?

Longan is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so treat it with caution and verify with a vet. As a member of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), its seeds and shells contain saponins and hypoglycin-type compounds and should be kept away from pets. Ripe flesh is widely eaten, but never let animals access the seeds or rinds. 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 longan.

What should I do if my cat ate longan?

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 longan toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to longan?

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 longan pet-safety