Can cats eat oranges? You might be wondering this if you’re snacking on an orange and your cat seems like they might be interested in trying some. Human can eat oranges, but are they safe for cats?
The short answer is no, cats can’t safely eat oranges. In fact, due to the essential oils contained in oranges, the citrus fruit is considered toxic to cats. As always, you must ask your vet before sharing any human foods with your favorite feline.
Let’s dig into what you need to know about oranges and cats.
Why Are Oranges Bad For Cats?
While oranges might be beneficial for humans to eat due to their excellent amounts of vitamin C, it’s another situation for cats entirely.
The essential oils that oranges contain are toxic to cats, so they should definitely be avoided. A cat who eats an orange might suffer from a very severe case of diarrhea. They might also start to vomit due to the citric acid upsetting their stomach.
In some cases, it has been proven that eating oranges can actually make a cat depressed or even cause them to become highly photosensitive.
What Should I Do If My Cat Ate An Orange?
First up, if you notice that your cat has eaten an orange, monitor their behavior and see if they show any immediate signs of distress.
If you notice lots of vomiting, call your vet immediately. They can ask about the symptoms the cat is showing and recommend whether or not you need to seek out emergency care immediately.
An orange skin contains more essential oils than the fruit inside, so try and make a note of which part of the orange your cat has eaten. The more information you can give to your vet, the better.
While oranges are considered toxic to cats, the reassuring news is that most cats will show an aversion to any citrus fruits in the first place, so hopefully the chances of your cat eating an orange are on the low side.
Has your cat ever accidentally eaten an orange? Have you come across a safer substitute for cats to snack on? Let us know in the comments below!
