
Why Do Cats Knock Things Over?
Cats have a reputation for knocking things off counters and shelves. In fact, a quick sea...
Most cats hate the smell of citrus and are unlikely to nibble on your orange. However, as a pet parent, it’s still important to understand whether this fruit is safe for your kitty. After all, you never know when orange might be an ingredient in a food item or when a curious cat might decide to take a taste.
So, can cats eat oranges? We spoke to three veterinarians to learn if cats can safely eat this sweet, tangy fruit.
No, cats should not eat oranges. This includes all types of oranges, such as navel, mandarin, and cara cara oranges. Jenna Whatley, DVM, Director of Ecosystems at Thrive Pet Healthcare, explains that oranges, like other citrus fruits, contain compounds that can be harmful to cats, including:
Eliza O’Callaghan, DVM, managing veterinarian at Small Door Vet in New York, notes that the orange peel and seeds have higher concentrations of these harmful substances than the flesh, making them the greatest risk to cats.
The good news? O’Callaghan says pet parents generally don’t need to worry about their cats eating oranges. Cats are naturally repelled by the smell of citrus. This makes it unlikely they would go near an orange, let alone consume enough to cause serious harm.
Oranges provide several benefits to humans. They’re rich in vitamin C and potassium, provide dietary fiber for better digestion, and contain natural sugars that provide energy. However, cats don’t reap the same advantages from this fruit.
“Cats don’t need to consume foods containing vitamin C because their bodies can synthesize it on their own,” O’Callaghan says. In fact, Whatley adds that providing supplements or foods high in vitamin C can lead to urinary issues, such as calcium oxalate stones.
Similarly, Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, MPH, a veterinary expert at TeachMe.To and contributing writer for The Spruce Pets, explains that the dietary fiber that supports human digestion provides little benefit to cats, as their carnivorous digestive systems aren’t built to process plant-based fibers effectively.
As for the natural sugars in oranges, they are neither suitable nor nutritionally necessary for cats. Whatley says consuming too much sugar can cause your cat's blood sugar to spike, which is particularly dangerous for cats with pre-diabetes or diabetes.
As obligate carnivores, cats thrive on diets centered around high-quality animal proteins—not fruit. This means there are no benefits to offering your cat oranges—only potential risks.
According to the doctors O'Callaghan, Koehler, and Whatley, if your cat ingests part of an orange, you might notice the following symptoms:
O’Callaghan says these effects are typically short-lived and mild, but in rare cases, ingestion or contact with the peel or seeds could lead to more pronounced effects.
If your cat shows persistent symptoms or unusual behavior, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible or take your cat to an emergency pet clinic.
While oranges are unsafe for cats, there are other fruits that are safe to offer as occasional treats. However, these should only be given in small portions, as fruits aren’t a necessary part of a cat’s diet, and excessive amounts can lead to health problems. To maintain a balanced diet, treats—including fruits—should make up no more than 10% of a cat’s overall food intake.
Before giving your cat fruit, be sure to remove seeds, pits, and peels, as these can pose choking hazards or contain substances that may harm your cat.
Cat-safe fruits include:
Oranges, while nutritious for humans, are not safe for cats due to their toxic compounds and unsuitability for a feline diet. As obligate carnivores, cats require a diet based on animal-based proteins, with no need for fruits like oranges.
No, all parts of an orange—including the peel, seeds, flesh, and other plant materials—are harmful to cats. However, the peel and seeds contain the highest concentration of toxic compounds.
If your cat takes a couple bites of orange flesh, Dr. Koehler says they’re unlikely to show symptoms. However, consuming a larger quantity of the peel or seeds could be more concerning.
If your cat ingests any part of an orange, monitor them closely for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or lethargy. If symptoms appear, contact your vet immediately. You can also contact the Pet Poison Helpline (855-784-7661) or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435), which are available 24/7.
Cats have a reputation for knocking things off counters and shelves. In fact, a quick sea...
Crate training with cats isn't as common as with dogs, but it is worth the effort. Kitten...
You may have heard of obsessive-compulsive disorder, but did you know cats can have forms...
Although some people avoid cats because they fear or dislike them, there is some hope for...
Keeping your cat off the kitchen counters isn't just a way to prevent spills—it cou...
Why does my kitten bite me? Kittens often bite while they're playing and become overexcit...
If you’ve ever been rudely woken up from a deep and serene sleep thanks to a heavy cat ...
Spaying and neutering cats has become a vital and commonly performed procedure. It is vit...
This article must be prefaced with a BIG disclaimer: I am not trained in veterinary medic...
Comments on "Are Oranges Dangerous for Cats? What the Experts Say" :