Can cats eat limes?
No, it's best not to. The ASPCA lists the lime plant as toxic to cats because of its essential oils and psoralens. The fruit flesh is edible, but the peel and plant parts can cause problems, and citrus fruits are bad for cats, so keep limes for people.
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Why
The ASPCA lists the lime plant as toxic to cats: it contains essential oils and psoralens, and while the fruit is edible, the skins and plant material can cause problems. Cats Protection says eating citrus fruits is bad for cats and can cause stomach discomfort, vomiting and diarrhoea, and NC State's veterinary hospital lists citrus fruits among foods that may cause vomiting or diarrhoea in cats and dogs. Cats Protection adds that a small taste is unlikely to cause a severe reaction. Because the sources differ in how strict they are, we follow the stricter advice and do not recommend sharing it.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach discomfort
- Depression
- Possible skin irritation (dermatitis)
What to do
If your cat ate peel, leaves or other plant parts, or shows signs such as vomiting or diarrhoea, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline as soon as possible. Note what was eaten and when.
24-hour help by country →Questions and answers
Which part is the problem?
The ASPCA says the fruit is edible, but the skins and plant material can cause problems because they contain essential oils and psoralens.
My cat had a tiny taste. Is that an emergency?
Cats Protection says not to panic if a cat samples a segment or licks your fingers; a cat would need to eat a lot to be in danger of a severe reaction. Watch for vomiting or diarrhoea and ask your vet if you are worried.
Why do cats usually avoid citrus?
Cats Protection says cats have a natural dislike of strong citrus smells, so they tend to avoid eating citrus fruits.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Lime — ASPCA Animal Poison Control (no date shown)
- Why do cats hate citrus fruit? — Cats Protection blog (2018-12-18)
- Healthy Human Food Treats For Pets — NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Hospital – Nutrition (no date shown)
- Cats and poisons — International Cat Care
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.