Can Cats Eat Citrus?

🚫 Not Recommended

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just ate something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

No. Citrus peel and oils are irritating to cats — and cats already hate the smell.

Why it’s a problem

Lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit contain essential oils (limonene and linalool) and psoralens, concentrated in the peel. Ingestion causes stomach upset and, in larger amounts, nervous-system depression. Fortunately most cats are strongly repelled by the scent.

How to serve it safely

Keep citrus fruit, peels and d-limonene cleaners away from cats, and do not rely on peels as a deterrent in places a cat might chew.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and, at higher doses, tremors or depression of the nervous system.

When to call the vet

Call your vet or a poison hotline if a cat eats citrus peel or a significant amount of flesh.

Common questions

Do citrus peels keep cats off furniture?

Cats dislike the smell, but peels rot and mold, and the oils can irritate skin and eyes. Use proper deterrents instead.

More foods for cats

Salmon✅ SafeYes, when fully cooked and unseasoned. Salmon is a nutritious fish most cats enjoy.Tuna⚠️ In ModerationOccasional small amounts only — tuna should be a treat, never a meal.Cow’s Milk🚫 Not RecommendedBetter to skip it. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and milk gives them stomach upset.Garlic☠️ ToxicNo. Garlic is poisonous to cats — even more potent per gram than onion.Cooked Eggs✅ SafeYes, fully cooked and plain. Eggs are a protein-rich treat cats usually enjoy.Cheese⚠️ In ModerationSmall bites are usually fine, but many cats cannot digest dairy well.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away.