Oranges are delicious fruits that are high in vitamin C and low in calories and fat. People love oranges as a snack, but can cats eat oranges as well? What should people know about oranges and our feline friends?
Can cats eat oranges? The basics
Oranges can cats eat them? The oranges’ aromatic oils are the biggest drawback for cats when they eat them. Oranges contain poisonous essential oils that can make cats very ill.
Oranges shouldn’t be given to cats because “the citric acid can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and the essential oils might cause issues with the central nervous system,” says Jenna Mahan, director of claims for Embrace Pet Insurance.
If oranges are still in their peel, can cats eat them?
It turns out that one of the top things to keep in mind when thinking, “Can cats have oranges?” is orange skins or peels. While you do not want to give your cat any part of an orange, Jenna explains that “the fruit itself has the lowest amount of essential oils, so it’s the least harmful part. Eating a bite of the fruit will likely cause minor stomach upset only.”
Can cats consume different citrus fruits?
The next question after, “Can cats eat oranges?” is, “Can cats eat any sorts of citrus fruits?” Jenna explains that — unfortunately — citrus of any kind is not good for cats. So, if you’re cooking with lemons or eating grapefruits and oranges you’ll want to keep your cat away from them. Citrus fruits of all sorts are bad for cats and will cause stomach upset and the risk of more serious medical conditions in the central nervous system.
What are the side effects of eating oranges?
Cat parents who wonder, “Can cats eat oranges?” might also wonder about the side effects if their cats do eat oranges. The primary side effects of cats eating oranges include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Given how uncomfortable oranges could make your cats, there really is no reason to feed oranges to them.
The good thing is that most cats naturally avoid anything citrus, so keeping a cat from ingesting oranges shouldn’t be too difficult.
That said, if your cat has eaten oranges, or you believe your cat ate something containing oranges or orange peels, consult your veterinarian or your local emergency veterinary clinic for support.