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Is Meiwa Kumquat toxic to cats?

Citrus japonica 'Meiwa'

Toxic to cats

Yes — meiwa kumquat 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. Kumquat is a Citrus species and falls under the ASPCA's listing of citrus as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens, concentrated in the peel, leaves and stems. Ingestion of plant material can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and dermatitis. Keep foliage and peel away from pets despite the fruit being edible for people.

What to do if your cat ate meiwa kumquat

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

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

Is meiwa kumquat toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is meiwa kumquat toxic to cats?

Yes — meiwa kumquat is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Kumquat is a Citrus species and falls under the ASPCA's listing of citrus as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens, concentrated in the peel, leaves and stems. Ingestion of plant material can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and dermatitis. Keep foliage and peel away from pets despite the fruit being edible for people.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats meiwa kumquat?

Kumquat is a Citrus species and falls under the ASPCA's listing of citrus as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principles are essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens, concentrated in the peel, leaves and stems. Ingestion of plant material can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and dermatitis. Keep foliage and peel away from pets despite the fruit being edible for people. 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 meiwa kumquat.

What should I do if my cat ate meiwa kumquat?

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 meiwa kumquat toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Meiwa Kumquat is toxic to dogs as well. See the full meiwa kumquat pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to meiwa kumquat?

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 meiwa kumquat pet-safety