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Pet safety

Is Starfruit toxic to cats?

Averrhoa carambola

Toxic to cats

Yes — starfruit 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. Averrhoa carambola is not in the ASPCA database but is documented by the Pet Poison Helpline as toxic to dogs and cats: it contains soluble calcium oxalates plus the neurotoxin caramboxin. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, tremors, low blood calcium and acute kidney injury, especially in animals with reduced kidney function. Keep fruit and prunings away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate starfruit

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

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

Is starfruit toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is starfruit toxic to cats?

Yes — starfruit is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Averrhoa carambola is not in the ASPCA database but is documented by the Pet Poison Helpline as toxic to dogs and cats: it contains soluble calcium oxalates plus the neurotoxin caramboxin. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, tremors, low blood calcium and acute kidney injury, especially in animals with reduced kidney function. Keep fruit and prunings away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats starfruit?

Averrhoa carambola is not in the ASPCA database but is documented by the Pet Poison Helpline as toxic to dogs and cats: it contains soluble calcium oxalates plus the neurotoxin caramboxin. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, tremors, low blood calcium and acute kidney injury, especially in animals with reduced kidney function. Keep fruit and prunings 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 starfruit.

What should I do if my cat ate starfruit?

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 starfruit toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to starfruit?

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 starfruit pet-safety