Grapefruit — Dinesh Valke from Thane, India
Photo by Dinesh Valke from Thane, IndiaWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 2.0
Pet safety reference

Grapefruit

Citrus paradisi

Grapefruit is a citrus tree known for its large, tart fruit and glossy, aromatic foliage. While popular in home orchards, all parts of the plant contain essential oils and psoralens that can cause adverse reactions in pets.

Citrus paradisiCitrus paradisiiGrapefruit tree
Light
Bright direct light
Habit
Tree
Care
Moderate

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Catsconcern notes

Common signs

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential skin irritation upon contact.

Escalation note

Ingestion of plant material or essential oils can lead to gastrointestinal upset and photosensitivity. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has ingested any part of this plant.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential skin irritation or dermatitis.

Escalation note

The essential oils and compounds in the plant can cause digestive distress and skin sensitivity. If you suspect your dog has consumed this plant, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Grapefruit is listed as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils and psoralens.

Kew Plants of the World Online

botanical · 95% reliability

Open source

Accepted scientific name for the grapefruit tree.

cats safety pageMy cat ate Grapefruitdogs safety pageMy dog ate Grapefruit

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Commonly confused with

Same safety verdict

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Same growing conditions

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