Our cat occasionally gives in to their natural curiosity and tries some of our food.
Some fruits and vegetables that we wouldn’t expect a cat to like are actually among the safest human foods for cats to eat.
The same cannot be said for all human foods; herbs and spices, vegetables, and even some fruits should be avoided around cats.
Even though we use limes as a garnish for our drinks and as a seasoning for our food, cats should never be given limes or lime juice.
This article will explain why cats shouldn’t eat limes. What to look for if your car eats a lime and when medical attention is required is something we’ll go over as well. If you want to find out more, keep reading!
Do Cats Like Limes?
There’s something you need to know before we can discuss limes and whether or not they’re safe for your cat.
Fortunately, cats aren’t big fans of citrus fruits like limes, lemons, grapefruits, or oranges.
Your cat probably isn’t going to eat a piece of lime out of curiosity because felines have a strong aversion to citrus.
There are a couple of reasons why it’s likely that your cat doesn’t like limes. The first is that cats are strictly carnivorous, meaning that at least 80% of their daily caloric intake must come from meat.
Your cat will have a strong preference for meat and will likely only be interested in the lime you are eating out of pure curiosity. It’s not likely due to your cat’s desire for lime consumption.
Now we can get to the real meat of the matter as to why felines generally dislike limes. Many common human foods have an aroma or texture that entices cats.
They want to satisfy their curiosity, so they give it a try, even if they have no plans to eat it.
However, cats typically dislike citrus fruits due to their odor. Citrus has a distinct and pleasant aroma that is probably already familiar to you.
Cats, however, have an even more acute sense of smell than humans do, and the scent of citrus is unbearable to their sensitive noses.
Cats can be discouraged from using unwanted areas of your home and garden as litter boxes by the strong scent of citrus fruits. Your cat probably won’t ever eat a lime because they have a strong aversion to the flavor.
Is Lime Good For Cats?
Citrus fruits, like lime, are toxic to cats. Luckily, cats aren’t interested in lime anyway. The pungent odor of limes is well-known to all of us.
Because of their acute sense of smell, cats avoid the area entirely whenever an aromatic substance is present. If they do try it, it will be out of curiosity more than anything else.
Are Limes Poisonous To Cats?
It’s true that cats shouldn’t eat limes. A little lime juice probably won’t cause any problems, though. Lime contains two compounds that are harmful to cats if ingested.
Lime chemicals that are good for us are bad for our cats. Due to their fragile digestive systems, cats are unable to fully benefit from the nutrients they consume.
Limonene is the initial chemical. In addition to its medicinal applications, this substance is widely used in cosmetics, perfumes, and household cleaners. Ingestion of large amounts of this compound can be irritating and harmful to health.
Psoralen is the second substance. The lime rind is a good source of this. It’s not just lime plants that have it, either. This substance is used therapeutically to treat certain skin conditions in humans by increasing their sensitivity to UV radiation.
However, it will only cause skin problems if consumed by cats, as they are not subjected to UV radiation therapy.
The lime rind, meanwhile, is a rich source of aromatic oils. Cats have trouble digesting the fruit’s acids, so eating them can make them sick.
Why Are Limes Toxic to Cats?
Lime is toxic to cats, so it’s a good thing most cats don’t like them. Cats shouldn’t eat limes because they contain two chemicals that can be fatal.
Essential oils are the first type of chemical, and limonene in particular is abundant in the rind of limes and other citrus fruits.
Limonene is used as a disinfectant and fragrance in many common household items in addition to its many medicinal applications.
It is also a volatile compound, which means that prolonged exposure to it can be harmful to your health.
Psoralen is the other chemical in limes that can be harmful to cats. Although psoralen is not exclusive to limes, it is used medicinally to treat a variety of skin conditions in humans.
It helps by making the skin more sensitive to UV light, but it can cause sunburns and other skin problems in cats.
Although limonene and psoralen are toxic to cats, they are not harmful to humans. This is why eating limes is perfectly safe.
Thanks to our unique digestive systems, we can absorb these nutrients to our benefit, unlike cats.
However, cats may have negative reactions to limes because they are unable to properly metabolize both limonene and psoralen. In addition, humans are much bigger than cats, so they can be affected by even smaller amounts of lime.
How Much Lime is Poisonous To Cats?
If possible, keep your cat away from limes. Lime peels, fruits, and seeds are toxic to cats. Don’t give your cat any lime, whether it’s baked into a pie or served as a fruit.
What Could Happen If a Cat Eats a Lime?
Even though limes are toxic to cats and can make your cat sick, it is unlikely that your cat will get sick from licking some lime juice or eating a small portion of a lime. However, the greater their consumption, the greater their vulnerability to adverse effects.
It’s also worth noting that the lime’s rind, not the fruit itself, is where you’ll find the majority of the limonene and psoralen.
It’s better for your cat if it doesn’t eat the skin of a lime than the fruit itself. There is very little risk of adverse effects from licking up lime juice.
Lime rind consumption may cause the following undesirable effects:
Limb rind reaction symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Drooling too much
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Inability to coordinate
- Dermatitis
- Photosensitivity
The limonene in limes, and not the psoralens themselves, is responsible for most of these negative effects. However, psoralens are primarily to blame for any photosensitivity or skin problems that may arise.
If you suspect your cat has eaten a lime and is showing any of the symptoms above, call a pet poison control center immediately. It may be helpful to have a rough estimate of how much lime your cat ingested before calling the poison control hotline or your vet.
The best course of action for treating your cat will depend on how much lime it ingested. The good news is that your cat will likely be fine if you treat the lime poisoning as soon as possible.
Can Cats Eat Key Lime Pie?
Cats shouldn’t eat key lime pie. Key lime pie is toxic for cats for the same reasons that lime is toxic for them. It’s already unhealthy for cats due to its high sugar and fat content and lack of nutritional value.
You shouldn’t be intentionally feeding your cat any of this pie, but it might try a bite out of curiosity. If you have a cat, you need to keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t eat any of this pie.
It’s not a good idea to give your cat or kitten key lime pie. Kitten feeding would be even more difficult because young cats are more susceptible to illness and require a more carefully considered diet to thrive. Since they are still developing, they are vulnerable to serious illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lime dangerous for cats?
Yes. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals claims that the acidity in limes, combined with the chemicals they contain, can be harmful to animals.
Can cats eat lime chips?
Lime chips are toxic to cats. They can safely eat a few chips without worrying about serious health consequences. However, you could detect your cat’s distress.
Can cats eat lime juice?
It’s not safe for cats to drink lime juice. Avoid giving your cat anything with lime in it because of the potential danger it poses.
Final Thoughts
Cats shouldn’t eat limes, but it’s the rind, not the fruit or the juice, that poses the greatest danger.
Your cats can’t properly metabolize the chemicals found in the rind, and they are therefore toxic to them. If your cat eats a lime, you should take them to the vet immediately.
Lucky for us, cats typically dislike the scent of limes and are therefore likely to avoid them in the first place.