§ Toxic plants · Rutaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is key lime toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, dullness or depression and skin irritation. 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
Key lime belongs to the Rutaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about key lime and pets
Is key lime toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists key lime as toxic to cats.
Is key lime toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists key lime as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats key lime?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, dullness or depression and skin irritation. 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.