Is Satsuma Mandarin toxic to cats?

Yes — satsuma mandarin 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 orange and related Citrus species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens as the toxic principles, concentrated in the peel, leaves and stems. Ingestion of plant material can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and dermatitis; the ripe seedless flesh is far less of a concern than the foliage and peel.

The ASPCA lists orange and related Citrus species as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens as the toxic principles, concentrated in the peel, leaves and stems. Ingestion of plant material can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and dermatitis; the ripe seedless flesh is far less of a concern than the 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 satsuma mandarin.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Satsuma Mandarin is toxic to dogs as well. See the full satsuma mandarin pet-safety guide for both species.

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.