Why
Oranges are not toxic to cats in the way grapes or onions are. PetMD's veterinary article on toxic foods states that the flesh of oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits is not toxic to cats, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center says that small ingestions, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to cause problems beyond minor stomach upset.
Citrus peel is the part that causes trouble. The ASPCA explains that the stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain citric acid and essential oils that can cause irritation, and possibly depression if a cat eats a significant amount. PetMD's veterinarian-written fruit guide lists citrus among the fruits to avoid, naming essential oils and psoralen as the compounds that can make a cat sick. Most cats keep their distance anyway: PetMD notes that citrus oils can overwhelm a cat's sensitive sense of smell.
Risks to watch for
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drooling
- Lethargy or unusual quietness
- Skin irritation where peel or juice touched the skin
- Tremors, in severe cases
- Citrus essential oils, which are more concentrated than the fruit
How to share safely
- Do not offer oranges or other citrus as a treat.
- If your cat licked a bit of orange flesh, watch for mild stomach upset over the day.
- If your cat chewed peel, leaves or seeds, wipe its mouth and paws with a damp cloth and call your vet if signs appear.
- Wash off any juice or peel oil on the fur so your cat does not lick it while grooming.
- Keep fruit bowls and peel bins covered or out of reach.
How much?
There is no recommended amount. The ASPCA says a small amount of citrus fruit is unlikely to cause more than minor stomach upset, but because citrus offers a cat nothing and the peel can make it sick, the simplest rule is to keep oranges away from cats.
Mandarins, pomelos and other citrus
Citrus fruits share the same concern, whatever their size. Mandarins, tangerines, pomelos, grapefruit, lemons and limes all have peels and seeds that contain the oils the ASPCA and PetMD warn about, so the advice for oranges applies to all of them.
Citrus season brings extra fruit into many homes, such as mandarins for the New Year and pomelos in autumn. Bowls of fruit and piles of peel on a coffee table are easy for a curious cat to explore. Put peels straight into a covered bin.
Citrus peel hats and costumes
Citrus peel is sometimes turned into a playful hat for pets, especially the thick peel of a pomelo, and the photos are popular online. Citrus peel is exactly the part of the fruit that PetMD and the ASPCA single out, and PetMD's fruit guide lists skin irritation among the possible effects. A cat wearing peel may also lick the oils off its fur.
A citrus peel hat is not worth the risk. If you want a festive photo, a soft fabric accessory, worn briefly and only if your cat tolerates it, is a kinder choice.
Citrus oils, cleaners and scents
Citrus essential oils are far more concentrated than the oil in a peel. Products such as diffuser oils, citrus cleaners and some scented sprays can expose a cat through its skin, its fur and grooming. Keep concentrated citrus products away from your cat, and ask your vet before using any essential oil product in a home with cats.
Citrus scent is sometimes recommended as a deterrent to keep cats off counters. PetMD's article on smells cats dislike says diluted citrus can be used this way, but advises never spraying anything directly on a cat.
Common questions
Are oranges good for cats?
Only in limited ways. Oranges are not toxic to cats in the way grapes or onions are. PetMD's veterinary article on toxic foods states that the flesh of oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits is not toxic to cats, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center says that small ingestions, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to cause problems beyond minor stomach upset.
Are oranges bad for cats?
It can be. Risks to watch for: vomiting or diarrhea and drooling.
Are cats allowed to have oranges?
Only in small amounts and the right form. Do not offer oranges or other citrus as a treat.
My cat licked orange juice. Is that dangerous?
A small lick of orange juice is unlikely to cause more than a mild stomach upset, according to the ASPCA's guidance on citrus. Juice is acidic and sugary, so do not offer more. Call your vet if your cat vomits repeatedly, drools or seems lethargic.
Are mandarins and pomelos safer than oranges?
No. Mandarins, pomelos and other citrus fruits contain the same kinds of oils in their peel, leaves and seeds. The flesh is not toxic, but none of these fruits are recommended for cats.
Sources
- PetMD. What Can’t Cats Eat? 8 Toxic Foods for Cats (Jennifer Coates, DVM; reviewed by Jo Cornett, DVM)
- PetMD. What Fruits Can Cats Eat? 19 Fruits Safe for Cats (Teresa Manucy, DVM; reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- PetMD. What Smells Do Cats Hate? 15 Scents Cats Dislike (Janelle Leeson; reviewed by Hannah Hart, DVM)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
If your cat has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or an animal poison control service right away, even if your cat seems fine. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.