§ Toxic plants · Rutaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is bitter orange toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.
Get a permanent discount if you join Early Access. iPhone and Android, in the contiguous U.S.
§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, dullness or depression, skin irritation and sunburn-like skin reactions to light. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Rutaceae plants toxic to pets
Bitter orange belongs to the Rutaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about bitter orange and pets
Is bitter orange toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists bitter orange as toxic to cats.
Is bitter orange toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists bitter orange as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats bitter orange?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, dullness or depression, skin irritation and sunburn-like skin reactions to light. Plant Smart rates it Mild, level 1 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is bitter orange called?
Bitter orange is also sold or known as orange, key lime and tangier orange.