Lime Poisoning in Cats

Lime Poisoning in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Lime Poisoning?

Cats tend to be adverse to citrus fruit and will usually avoid them. The main danger seems to be from essential oils in the fruit such as d-Limonene which have insecticidal properties and may be used to treat fleas. Because your cat’s liver is not equipped to handle these substances, toxic symptoms can occur. In addition, a cat’s relatively small size puts them at increased risk for poisoning.

Limes are a common household fruit that contain compounds that, while beneficial to humans, are toxic to your cat. Limes (Citrus aurantifolia) contain essential oils, especially in the rind, and psoralens that can make your cat very sick and result in gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, and neurological symptoms such as depressed central nervous system functioning, photosensitivity, hypothermia, and ataxia.

Symptoms of Lime Poisoning in Cats

Cats that have been exposed to lime oil dermally may exhibit a strong citrus smell and experience dermatitis (skin irritation). Other symptoms of toxicity present due to lime being absorbed through the skin or ingestion include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Depression/weakness
  • Hypothermia
  • Salivation/drooling
  • Trembling
  • Ataxia
  • Low blood pressure
  • Photosensitivity

If toxicity occurs in sufficient quantities death can occur.

Causes of Lime Poisoning in Cats

The most common cause of lime poisoning in cats is from exposure to citrus oils made from lime, usually applied on the skin. Insecticide dips, shampoos, and other products may contain d-Limonene, a natural terpene, which has insecticidal properties. If administered to cats as recommended and in the appropriate dosage, toxicity is unlikely, however, if applied in excessive amounts, multiple times and/or at more than the recommended concentrations, lime oil can absorb through the skin and result in symptoms of toxicity.

In addition, lime oil is sometimes used as a deterrent spray that pet owners use on items they want their cats to avoid and your cat may become overexposed in this way.

Diagnosis of Lime Poisoning in Cats

If your cat has experienced exposure to lime or lime products, such as lime oil sprays, dips or shampoos, followed by symptoms of illness, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. Inform your veterinarian of any exposure to lime or lime products. If possible, bring the product with you and details regarding usage and dosage that occurred. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam to determine the extent of toxicity symptoms. A strong citrus smell on the skin may be present, or other symptoms of lime poisoning may be apparent. Blood and urine tests may be conducted to ascertain overall health and organ functioning. 

Treatment of Lime Poisoning in Cats

If ingestion occurred, gastric lavage may be performed and activated charcoal administered to bind with toxins and prevent absorption through the gut. Vomiting is not recommended due to the risk posed by aspiration of lime oils. If dermal exposure occurred, which is more common, your cat will be thoroughly bathed to remove lime oil residue and prevent further dermal absorption.

Supportive care for poisoning symptoms will be administered, such as the administration of intravenous fluids, keeping the patient warm, and administering appropriate medication to address any other symptoms or provide support to organ functioning.

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Recovery of Lime Poisoning in Cats

Prognosis for lime poisoning is usually good, although cats are more likely to suffer extreme reactions than other animals. If lime poisoning has occurred, remove the object or substance that resulted in exposure so your cat can not be re-exposed. Your cat may require a special diet for a few days to address gastrointestinal distress if it has occurred. Due to the neurological effects of lime poisoning, rest in a stress-free environment is recommended until recovery is complete. Depending on the severity of symptoms your veterinarian may recommend follow-up to ensure complete recovery, especially where neurological symptoms occurred or if organ systems were affected.

Lime Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Siberian

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Julius and Teddy

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9 Years

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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

Earlier this evening (about two hours ago) I cooked salmon with some butter and lime juice and gave my cats a few pieces, prior to realizing lime would be toxic. I tried to give them more internal bites of the salmon filet anyway, but they seem a little lethargic. No vomiting or anything more serious so far though. How worried should I be at this point... when would more serious issues start following ingestion of lime? Thank you!

May 24, 2018

1 Recommendations

Vomiting, diarrhoea and depression are typical symptoms of poisoning with dermatological symptoms presenting with ingestion of peel due to the oils there. You should keep an eye on them for the time being and ensure they are hydrated, if there is not improvement overnight visit your Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

May 24, 2018

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tabby

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Remi

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3 Years

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6 found this helpful

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6 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Panting
My cat ate a dried lime leaf out of my soup bowl from last night. He puked about 10 times in the past hour. It was white and foamy. Now he's in his cat tree chilling and look pretty calm. I haven't fed him breakfast yet because i don't want him to throw it up everywhere. What do i need to do for him?

May 6, 2018

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

6 Recommendations

If he ate the lime leaf last night, Remi's vomiting today may be unrelated. Since he seems to be calm and okay now, it would be a good idea to fast him today to give his stomach a chance to settle, then start feeding him again tonight. If he continues to vomit, he should be seen by his veterinarian.

May 6, 2018

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