Lime
Citrus aurantifolia · Rutaceae
How it looks
The Lime tree is an evergreen tree bearing small, glossy oval leaves and white star-shaped flowers. The branches have thorns and small round green fruits appear. The leaves and rind carry a lime fragrance, and the tree stands 10–16 ft (3–5 m) tall.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
The bark and seeds of Lime contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Lime rarely leads to serious trouble, but its limonene and furocoumarins can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Citrus aurantifolia
- Common name
- Lime
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Toxic parts
- Bark, Seeds
- Compounds
- Limonene, Furocoumarins
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, depression
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
