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Pet safety

Is Meyer lemon toxic to cats?

Citrus limon 'Meyer'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists meyer lemon 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. Citrus limon (lemon) is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens in the rind, leaves, and stems; clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and potential dermatitis. The fruit flesh is low-risk in small amounts, but the foliage, rind, and sap should be kept away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate meyer lemon

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

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

Is meyer lemon toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is meyer lemon toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists meyer lemon 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. Citrus limon (lemon) is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens in the rind, leaves, and stems; clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and potential dermatitis. The fruit flesh is low-risk in small amounts, but the foliage, rind, and sap should be kept away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats meyer lemon?

Citrus limon (lemon) is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. The toxic principles are essential oils and psoralens in the rind, leaves, and stems; clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, and potential dermatitis. The fruit flesh is low-risk in small amounts, but the foliage, rind, and sap should be kept 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 meyer lemon.

What should I do if my cat ate meyer 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 meyer lemon toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to meyer 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 meyer lemon pet-safety