Grapefruit

Q: Can cats eat Grapefruit? — CatToxic

Caution: Avoid — psoralen and essential oils are toxic. Grapefruit contains psoralens and essential oils limonene and linalool that are toxic to cats, concentrated primarily in the peel, seeds, and white pith. Cats' limited liver glucuronidation makes them especially vulnerable to these compounds. GI upset, CNS depression, and photosensitivity can result.

Q: Symptoms to watch for

vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, trembling, skin sensitivity to sunlight

Caution

Verdict

Avoid — psoralen and essential oils are toxic.

Toxic principle: psoralens, limonene, linalool

Source: ASPCA

Verdict

Grapefruit contains psoralens and essential oils limonene and linalool that are toxic to cats, concentrated primarily in the peel, seeds, and white pith. Cats' limited liver glucuronidation makes them especially vulnerable to these compounds. GI upset, CNS depression, and photosensitivity can result.

Symptoms to watch for

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• lethargy
• trembling
• skin sensitivity to sunlight

What to do

Keep grapefruit away from cats. If your cat ate grapefruit peel, contact your vet.

Related foods

Grapes

Toxic

Never — can cause kidney failure. Treat as dangerous.

Fruits

Raisins

Dangerous

Never — concentrated kidney toxin, even more dangerous than grapes.

Fruits

Avocado

Toxic

Avoid — persin in skin and pit is toxic; flesh is risky.

Fruits

Lemons

Caution

Avoid — essential oils and citric acid cause GI upset.

Fruits

← Back to search