Oranges

Q: Can cats eat Oranges? — CatToxic

Caution: Avoid — essential oils in peel are toxic to cats. Orange flesh is not severely toxic, but the peel, white pith, and seeds contain essential oils (limonene, linalool) that are harmful to cats. Cats' limited liver glucuronidation makes them unable to process citrus oils effectively. The high acidity and sugar content also make oranges unsuitable for cats.

Q: Symptoms to watch for

vomiting (peel or large amounts), diarrhea, drooling

Caution

Verdict

Avoid — essential oils in peel are toxic to cats.

Toxic principle: limonene, linalool (peel)

Source: ASPCA

Verdict

Orange flesh is not severely toxic, but the peel, white pith, and seeds contain essential oils (limonene, linalool) that are harmful to cats. Cats' limited liver glucuronidation makes them unable to process citrus oils effectively. The high acidity and sugar content also make oranges unsuitable for cats.

Symptoms to watch for

• vomiting (peel or large amounts)
• diarrhea
• drooling

What to do

Keep orange peels away from cats. If your cat ate orange peel, monitor for GI upset and contact your vet if symptoms develop.

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

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