Can cats eat oranges?

Updated 27/04/2023

Full of vitamins, minerals, and a great source of antioxidants - it's true: oranges are a real nutritional powerhouse, at least for us humans! But what about our beloved feline friends - can a cat eat an orange? 

The answer is no, cats can’t eat oranges and, like most other citrus fruits, they are considered toxic to cats.

Wondering why? Read on to find out why this popular citrus fruit may be more sinister than it seems (for our feline friends, at least)...

Are oranges poisonous to cats?

‘Fraid so - oranges (and other popular citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes) are toxic to cats. 

Can cats eat orange peels? 

This one is a big no-no, too. All parts of an orange, including the seeds and leaves, are toxic to cats. In fact, the peel is the most toxic due to the amount of essential oils it contains.

(Not to mention, the peel of most fruits is often hard and tough in texture, which is never great for feline tummies).

Why are oranges bad for cats?

Like most citrus fruits, oranges contain essential oils (namely d-limonene and linalool) that are toxic to cats. It can seriously upset your cat’s tummy, not to mention lead to a whole host of nasty symptoms (more on that later). Oranges also contain citric acid, which cats are extremely sensitive to. If ingested it can cause gastrointestinal upset. Oranges also contain psoralens and furocoumarins. These are chemicals that cause photosensitivity in cats. Cats become very sensitive to sunlight and develop sunburn lesions on their skin which becomes extremely irritating for them.

The (slightly) good news is that most cats are repelled by the smell of oranges, and usually won’t go anywhere near them. Ever wondered why most anti-scratching repellents contain citrus? It’s not by chance - it’s because cats literally can’t stand the smell of citrus. And not only are they pretty una-peel-ing (sorry), they’re also pretty darn dangerous.

Symptoms of citrus toxicity

If you think your feline friend may have eaten some orange (or indeed, another citrus fruit), there are a few telltale signs to watch out for. These include:

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Drooling 
• Dermatitis
• Weakness 
• Stomach pain 
• Photosensitivity 
• Depression 
• Muscle tremors
• Seizure

What to do if your cat eats oranges

If you’ve caught your kitty in the act, it’s best not to wait - contact your vet immediately for advice. They will likely ask you about any symptoms your cat has been experiencing, and will be able to suggest next steps. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Other foods that aren’t safe for cats 

So, are oranges safe for cats? That’ll be a hard ‘no’ - keep those citrusy snacks away from your feline friends, folks. Unfortunately, oranges aren’t the only fruits our fluffy pals need to avoid - there are many other foods that cats can’t eat, such as: 

• Tomatoes
• Grapes and raisins
• Cherries
• Plums