Lemon Poisoning in Cats

Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 01/31/2017Updated: 08/19/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Lemon Poisoning in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Lemon Poisoning?

Generally, a small amount of lemon is sufficient to give your cat gastrointestinal symptoms The lemon tree, as well as the fruit, contains these poisons, so your cat (and other pets) shouldn’t be given free access to it. 

Think about how your cat responds to the smell of anything citrus. It may pull back and run to another area of your home as cats find any citrusy scent offensive. All citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges, limes and lemons) are mildly toxic to cats. Consider every part of the fruit, from the seeds to the fruit and skin, to be toxic  for your feline.

The substances found in lemons (Citrus limon) is toxic to your cat, even though you and your family can safely ingest lemons.  Toxic compounds in the lemon include linalool and limonene, along with psoralens. The last compound is phototoxic, meaning it can cause your cat to suffer skin burns after exposure to sunlight.

Youtube Play

Lemon Poisoning Average Cost

From 482 quotes ranging from $200 - $400

Average Cost

$250

Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background

Symptoms of Lemon Poisoning in Cats

After eating any part of a lemon, your cat will develop these symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Potential photosensitivity
  • Depression
  • Lethargy
  • Photosensitivity
  • Skin irritation or rash
  • Weakness
  • Cold limbs
  • Liver failure
  • Tremors
  • Collapse
  • Low blood pressure

Causes of Lemon Poisoning in Cats

Three compounds in a lemon, limonene, linalool and psoralen, are toxic, if not deadly for your cat. 

Limonene is a terpene that leads to the citrus scent of lemons. D-limonene has been used in dog shampoos and fragrances. The small amount present in dog products is safe for most sizes of dogs. For cats, it can prove lethal. Limonene is also used in flavoring compounds, cosmetic products, and cleaning products. Keep all of these away from your feline.

Linalool also gives the lemon its citrusy scent. It’s used as an insecticide in soaps and as a fragrant product in lotions. Linalool is also used as an insecticide itself.

Psoralen leads to photosensitivity issues for cats. It’s used as a treatment for certain skin disorders.

Diagnosis of Lemon Poisoning in Cats

Luckily, cats don't tend to eat lemon as they dislike the sour taste. A single inquisitive lick will not do your cat any harm. If your cat eats lemon and you catch it, get it to the vet right away. Take the lemon or a part of the tree with you for testing to help your vet makes a diagnosis. 

Expect the vet to ask you several questions and give your cat a complete physical, including a urinalysis and blood work. The blood chemistry profile and complete blood count help your vet to rule out underlying conditions and determine better what toxins are affecting your cat. Your vet may also examine your cat’s stool and vomit specimens to identify the source of toxins. The potential for your cat’s symptoms to worsen increases with the amount of lemon or lemon tree your cat ate.

Your cat may also undergo neurological testing, which allows the vet to witness assess coordination and reflexes.

Treatment of Lemon Poisoning in Cats

Once your vet knows what is causing your cat’s symptoms, she can determine the most appropriate treatment. Because the cat could breathe the essential oil of a lemon into its lungs, inducing vomiting isn’t an option. Instead, the vet will wash your cat’s stomach out (gastric lavage) to remove as much of the lemon and toxins from its digestive system. In addition, the vet will deliver activated charcoal to stop the absorption of any of the toxic compounds into its bloodstream.

If you found your cat eating a lemon, even though they find citrus scents to be so offensive, wash your cat’s fur and skin with a mild soap and clean, warm water.

Beyond that, the treatments your vet provides are supportive, including IV fluids that rehydrate your cat and adjust any electrolyte and blood glucose imbalances your cat may be experiencing. Your cat may receive supplemental oxygen and anti-seizure medications if its tremors are becoming severe.

Petted logo

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

background

Recovery of Lemon Poisoning in Cats

Your cat should make a good recovery from its lemon poisoning, if you obtained quick veterinary care.  The poisoning symptoms are short-lived. Don’t take your cat’s poisoning lightly; if it eats any of the essential oils found in lemons, its prognosis may not be as good.

If your cat is an indoor-outdoor cat, keep it inside for about 48 hours after receiving treatment for phototoxicity. 

Your vet will have you bring your cat in so she can regularly monitor its blood chemistry levels. She is looking at how your cat’s liver and kidneys are functioning.

Before you bring your cat home, place all citrus products in a cabinet or inside the refrigerator. Citrus-scented products containing any of the known toxins should be kept where your cat can’t get to them. Read labels carefully when you buy cat care products or sprays meant to deter them from furniture or walls inside your home.

 

Lemon Poisoning Average Cost

From 482 quotes ranging from $200 - $400

Average Cost

$250

arrow-up-icon

Top

Lemon Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

dog-breed-icon

Domestic long hair

dog-name-icon

Milo

dog-age-icon

12 Weeks

thumbs-up-icon

6 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

6 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy, Constipation
Hi there, I looked over at my 12 week old kitten the other night and noticed he took 2-3 licks out of my lemon water (just water with some lemon juice).. he’s still eating and drinking but I noticed he’s been sleeping a lot over the last 2 days and hasn’t been playing as much. He seems fine when he is playing with his other brother! I’m not too sure what to do, I also noticed though that I think he may be constipated.... heeellpppp

Aug. 31, 2018

Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon

short hair

dog-name-icon

Joy

dog-age-icon

1 Year

thumbs-up-icon

36 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

36 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Drooling
I believe my cat consumed lemon juice when I was cooking. She has been drooling and is behaviorally acting okay. The issue is that I cannot afford to tale her to the vet because of finanical difficulties. What can I do at home to help her and what should I be looking for in the even I have to take her to the emergency animal hospital?

Aug. 25, 2018

36 Recommendations

A small amount of lemon juice may cause some drooling and could cause some gastrointestinal symptoms (mainly vomiting), however it is the peel which is more dangerous due to the oils; keep an eye on Joy and ensure that she is otherwise eating, drinking etc… If you have concerns or notice any symptoms on this page visit a Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

Aug. 26, 2018

Was this question and answer helpful?

Lemon Poisoning Average Cost

From 482 quotes ranging from $200 - $400

Average Cost

$250

Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background
Need pet insurance?
Need pet insurance?

Learn more in the Wag! app

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install


© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.


© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.