Can cats eat lemons?
ASPCA lists lemon as toxic to cats; the peel and plant cause the problems, while it calls the fruit itself edible. Citrus can cause vomiting and diarrhea (ASPCA, Cats Protection), and cats are more sensitive to essential oils than dogs (Merck).
Good to know: A quick lick is no reason to panic (Cats Protection). ASPCA lists lime and grapefruit the same way.
Better choices, for example
Questions
Can dogs eat lemons?
Better not. AKC says dogs shouldn’t eat lemons: the juice is high in citric acid and the peel contains psoralen. ASPCA lists lemon as toxic to dogs; the peel and plant cause the problems, while it calls the fruit itself edible.
Sources
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-toxic Plants – Lemon (toxic to cats; fruit edible, peel and plant cause problems)
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-toxic Plants – Lime (toxic to cats)
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-toxic Plants – Grapefruit (toxic to cats)
- Cats Protection – Why do cats hate citrus fruit?
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Toxicoses From Essential Oils in Animals
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control – People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets (citrus)
Last checked: October 2026