Lemons

Q: Can cats eat Lemons? — CatToxic

Caution: Avoid — essential oils and citric acid cause GI upset. Lemons contain limonene, linalool, and psoralen in the peel and rind. These essential oils and compounds cause GI irritation and central nervous system depression in cats. Cats are particularly sensitive to essential oils because their liver cannot metabolize them effectively. The flesh and juice are very acidic and unpalatable.

Q: Symptoms to watch for

vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, sensitivity to light (psoralens)

Caution

Verdict

Avoid — essential oils and citric acid cause GI upset.

Toxic principle: limonene, linalool, psoralens

Source: ASPCA

Verdict

Lemons contain limonene, linalool, and psoralen in the peel and rind. These essential oils and compounds cause GI irritation and central nervous system depression in cats. Cats are particularly sensitive to essential oils because their liver cannot metabolize them effectively. The flesh and juice are very acidic and unpalatable.

Symptoms to watch for

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• drooling
• lethargy
• sensitivity to light (psoralens)

What to do

Keep lemons and lemon products away from cats. If your cat ate lemon peel or oil, 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

Grapefruit

Caution

Avoid — psoralen and essential oils are toxic.

Fruits

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