Cats · Guide
Can Cats Eat Oranges?
Cats should not eat oranges. The peel and plant parts can upset their stomach. Here is what the ASPCA says about oranges, mandarins, and what to do.
No, cats should not eat oranges. The ASPCA lists orange as toxic to cats. The peel, leaves and other plant parts cause the most trouble. The flesh is described as edible, but cats do not need it, and the fruit offers them nothing they cannot get from their regular food.
Why are oranges a problem for cats?
The ASPCA says the toxic parts of an orange are essential oils and psoralens. Essential oils are the strong-smelling oils in a plant. Psoralens are natural chemicals that some plants make.
The ASPCA’s page on orange says the fruit is edible, but “skins and plant material can cause problems.” Its list of foods to avoid also says that citrus stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds have varying amounts of citric acid. Citric acid can irritate the body. Eating the fruit itself usually causes only a mild upset stomach.
Cats are also more sensitive to oils than many other animals. Pet Poison Helpline says cats lack an enzyme in the liver that helps break down some of these oils. It lists citrus oil (called d-limonene) among the oils known to poison cats.
What signs should I watch for?
For orange, the ASPCA lists these signs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression (your cat seems dull or very tired)
- Possible skin irritation
Pet Poison Helpline lists more serious signs for poisoning with strong oils in general. These include drooling, tremors, wobbly walking, trouble breathing, and liver failure. How bad it gets depends on the type of oil and how much your cat was exposed to. Call your vet if you see any of these signs.
What should I do if my cat ate orange?
- Take away what is left, and note how much your cat ate and which part (flesh, peel, or leaves).
- Call your vet or a poison hotline if your cat ate peel, leaves, or citrus oil, or if your cat seems unwell.
- Watch your cat for vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual tiredness.
A small lick or bite of flesh may only cause an upset stomach, according to the ASPCA. Even so, if you are unsure, a call to your vet is a good idea.
Other kinds of oranges
Can cats eat mandarin oranges?
No. Mandarins, including clementines and tangerines, are citrus fruits. We did not find a separate ASPCA page for mandarins, so we rely on what the ASPCA says about citrus in general. Its guidance is that citrus peels, leaves, stems and seeds contain citric acid that can irritate pets, and that the fruit alone usually causes only mild stomach upset. The same advice applies as for oranges. Keep the peel away from your cat, and don’t offer the fruit as a treat.
Can cats eat orange peel?
No. Peel is the part the ASPCA warns about most. Peel also holds citrus oils, which Pet Poison Helpline says can poison cats. If your cat chews or swallows peel, call your vet or a poison hotline.
Can cats have orange juice or orange-scented products?
We did not find a source on orange juice for cats, so we can’t say how it affects them. Cats do not need it. For scented products, Pet Poison Helpline lists citrus oil among the essential oils that can poison cats. Keep citrus essential oils and strong cleaners with citrus oil out of your cat’s reach.
What can I give my cat instead?
The simplest treat is a store-bought cat treat made for cats. Treats should stay small and only a little of your cat’s day of food. If you want to share people food, check our guides first. For example, see whether cats can eat eggs.
For more foods to keep away from your cat, see our list of foods that are toxic to cats.
Common questions
Are oranges toxic to cats?
The ASPCA lists orange as toxic to cats because of oils and chemicals called psoralens. It also says the fruit itself is edible, and that the skins and other plant parts are the main problem.
Can cats drink orange juice?
The sources we read do not cover juice, so we cannot give a vet-backed answer. Cats do not need it. Plain water is the best drink for your cat.
What happens if a cat eats an orange peel?
The ASPCA lists vomiting, diarrhea, and depression (a dull, tired look) as signs, and the skin may get irritated. Call your vet or a poison hotline for advice.
Why do cats hate the smell of oranges?
The sources we read do not explain cats' dislike of the smell. We do know that citrus oils can poison cats, so it is best to keep peels and citrus oil away from them.