Fruit
Can cats eat limes?
Citrus oils and psoralens are toxic to cats.
Why Citrus essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
- For cats, or if peel was eaten, call your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Skin irritation
- Sensitivity to light
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
No need to share. Lime flesh is very acidic, and the peel and plant contain oils and psoralens that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
How much: Avoid.
Can dogs eat limes?Cats Toxic
No. Citrus oils and psoralens are toxic to cats.
The details
Limes turn up in drinks and garnishes rather than as snacks, so the bigger risk at a party is usually the alcohol or other food alongside them. A lick of lime juice will simply make a dog pull a face. A cat chewing a lime wedge, or exposed to lime essential oil, may drool and vomit.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat limes?
No. Citrus oils and psoralens are toxic to cats.
What makes limes risky for cats?
Citrus essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
vomiting and diarrhoea, drooling, skin irritation, sensitivity to light.
What should I do if my cat ate limes?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. For cats, or if peel was eaten, call your vet.
Is limes safe for dogs too?
No need to share. Lime flesh is very acidic, and the peel and plant contain oils and psoralens that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for cats
Grapes and raisins
Apples
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Strawberries
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Watermelon
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation