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Can Cats Eat Lemons? Vet Approved Safety Facts & FAQ

Lindsey Lawson

By Lindsey Lawson

Can Cats Eat lemons

Vet approved

Dr. Maja Platisa Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Maja Platisa

In-House Veterinarian, DVM MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Cats are curious little creatures that like to explore the world around them. For indoor cats, this includes kitchen countertops. Cat owners need to be aware of the potential dangers that are lurking in and around the home, from toxic chemicals to seemingly harmless human foods.

Here we will look at one of the most common fruits you will find in your fruit basket, lemons. Lemons serve so many purposes in the kitchen and it’s easy to overlook this fruit as a possible danger to your cat. So, can cats eat lemon? In short, no, they cannot, as citrus fruits are toxic for felines. Let’s take a closer look at why your cat cannot eat this tart yellow fruit and what it means if they do.

 

Cats and Lemons

The good news is, lemons and other citrus fruits are commonly used as deterrents for cats. The scent alone will repel most cats. The bad news is that lemons and other citrus fruits are toxic to cats and can result in poisoning if consumed.

It is important to note that not all cats will be repelled by lemons and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Cat owners should keep lemons, and citrus oil products in particular, stored safely out of the cat’s reach.

The reasons lemons and other citrus fruits are toxic to cats are due to the essential oils like limonene and linalool in addition to psoralens (chemicals found in certain plants). All parts of lemons and other citrus fruits are toxic to cats, this includes the peel and plant products, while the fruit itself seems less toxic.1

There aren’t many studies into the extent of the toxic effects of these compounds in cats, but we know they have a potential for inducing neurological and digestive signs, alongside skin lesions, depending on the compound in question and the amount.2 Most of the reported cases are from exposure of cats’ skin to citrus oil preparations for insecticide purposes or when used as an ointment. This is why we err on the side of caution when it comes to lemon and citrus essential oil products, and this is the recommendation of the ASPCA as well.

sliced and whole lemons
Image Credit: stevepb, Pixabay

Toxic Lemon Components

  • Limonene – Limonene is responsible for the lemon’s strong and pungent smell and is the main component of lemon oil. Limonene is used in cleaning products and is sometimes even used in some pet shampoos for its parasite-deterring ability, it is considered mildly toxic to cats, and when used at higher doses, can cause drooling, trembling, staggering, falling over, skin lesions, and digestive discomfort.
  • Other citrus oil formulations may also pose a toxic hazard. Fatal side effects have been reported in three cats after the use of an “organic” citrus oil dip, causing drooling, trembling, loss of coordination and staggering, collapse, coma, and even death.
  • Linalool – The compound linalool, which is a terpene alcohol, can be toxic to cats if it is ingested or comes in contact with the skin in significant amounts. Linalool is anti-microbial and has natural insect-repellent properties.
  • Psoralens – Psoralens are chemicals found in certain plants that can make the skin temporarily sensitive to long-wave ultraviolet radiation or UVA rays, causing photosensitivity in cats.
sad lonely cat
Image Credit: medveda, Shutterstock

Possible Signs of Toxicity

Ingesting lemons and other citrus fruits such as limes, grapefruits, and oranges can cause cats to experience gastrointestinal discomfort that can vary in severity depending on how much was consumed. Skin reactions can also occur. Excessive amounts would need to be consumed for more severe reactions.

While these reactions are typically mild, severe signs are possible so you should still contact your veterinarian for guidance if your cat were to consume citrus or especially essential oils, which are concentrated and thus highly toxic. Some signs to be on the lookout for include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Reduced appetite
  • Skin irritation or rash
  • Drooling
  • Weakness
  • Tremors
  • Cold limbs
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of coordination
  • Falling over
  • Collapse
  • Seizures

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lemon or Citrus Poisoning

In any case, where your cat has ingested something they should not have, contacting your veterinarian immediately is key. If your veterinarian does not have after-hours services, make sure you have the information handy for emergency veterinary services and/or a pet poison helpline.

The veterinarian will ask you questions about what was ingested, the amount (if known), and the signs you have observed from your cat thus far. Depending on the signs and their severity, and the toxic compound formulation, they may recommend either monitoring at home or bringing your cat in straight away. In the latter case, they will complete a thorough physical examination and possibly run some additional tests.

The treatment will depend on the signs and severity of the poisoning. You can expect your veterinarian to give you the best course of action for your situation once a proper evaluation has been completed.

vet holding a senior cat
Image Credit: Alice Rodnova, Shutterstock

Keeping Your Cat Safe

The best way to keep your cat safe from foods that pose a danger is to prevent them from having access to these foods. Thankfully, cats are typically deterred by citrus fruits, like lemons but here are some tips for keeping your cat safe.

  • Store foods securely and out of reach from your cat. Think about installing cat-proof locks on cabinets if you have a particularly mischievous cat that likes to rummage through cupboards.
  • Do not feed your cat any leftovers or table scraps
  • Do your best to prevent your cat from getting on countertops and never encourage the behavior or allow it at any time.
  • Do not use essential oils, and never apply them on your cat.
  • Speak to your vet about the best flea, tick, and worming products that have verified efficacy and are safe for your cat, instead of using unverified products containing citrus compounds.

Cats are obligate carnivores that are designed to get all their needed nutrients directly from meat sources. Our domesticated cats are evolved hunters, just like their wild counterparts. They require very high amounts of protein, moderate fat content, and minimal carbohydrates.

British shorthair cat eating
Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock

A Cat’s Dietary Needs

Cats have pretty specific dietary requirements. Since they are obligate carnivores, they get all of their needed nutrients directly from meat. You do not have to worry about supplementing their diet with fruits, vegetables, grains, or any other plant material.

The digestive system of a cat is not designed for anything other than meat, even though plant-based foods have a lot of health benefits for humans and other species, they simply do not have the same kind of benefits for our feline companions.

Before changing your cat’s diet or introducing new ingredients or supplements that they haven’t eaten before, especially when it comes to human food, make sure to consult your veterinarian first. Every cat is different and requires an individual approach to nutrition, depending on their age, health, level of activity, and medical history. Guidelines offered in our article have been fact-checked and approved by a veterinarian but should be used as a mere guide on food safety, rather than an individual nutrition plan.

Commercial cat foods come in a wide variety of forms and are designed to meet all of your cat’s dietary needs. As a cat owner, it is important to pick high-quality cat food that does not contain artificial ingredients, harmful chemicals, or unnecessary fillers and by-products.

Types of Cat Food Varieties

Consult an Expert

If you ever find yourself questioning the best meal plan for your cat or have any questions about the safety of certain foods or any other typical household or outdoor items, reach out to your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. Not only can they help you ensure your cat is getting the proper nutrition and food quantity, but they will also be able to go over potential toxicities.

Knowledge is power when it comes to pet ownership, and the more you know, the more capable you are of keeping your cat safe and healthy for many years of loving companionship.

Now that you know what you can safely feed your cat, it’s just as important to find a bowl that supports their health and well-being. With whisker-friendly bowls and a wide tray to catch any spills, our Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is our favorite option.

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Conclusion

Cats should not eat lemons or any other citrus fruits or come in contact with citrus essential oil, as the compounds within these fruits and oil are toxic and can cause digestive and neurological signs, alongside skin reactions. Thankfully, most cats are deterred by citrus and will have no interest in them due to the smell alone. Regardless, it is very important to keep these foods and products safely stored and out of reach of your cat.

If your cat were to ever ingest any part of a lemon or citrus fruit, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further information on how to best handle the situation. While the toxicity can vary in severity and is rarely fatal, citrus oil poisoning in particular should be taken very seriously.


Featured Image Credit: MiraCosic, Pixabay

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