Cats are known to be frisky with plants, and it is possible for them to accidentally ingest part of a tree or plant while they’re playing. Many plants are toxic to cats and can cause serious illness or even death. What about citrus trees? Are they poisonous to cats?
Citrus leaves are poisonous to cats because they contain a toxic essential oil. Cats are naturally drawn to citrus trees because of the fruit they produce. However, as with any other type of tree that has leaves or berries as fruit, there are some risks associated with letting your cat interact with these types of trees.
Read on to learn more about whether or not you should let your cat near a citrus tree and why this is the case.
Can Citrus Trees Make Cats Sick?
In most cases, it’s safe for your cat to be around citrus trees, but they should never ingest any part of it. You should keep an eye out for any signs of allergic reaction. If you see anything that concerns you, take your cat to the vet to be checked out.
A citrus tree can actually be quite dangerous for cats. If your cat is unsupervised around a citrus tree, severe injuries could occur. The most serious risk is that your cat could end up being poisoned by the citrus tree.
The essential oils in the leaves, bark, and fruit of citrus trees are toxic to cats. If your cat ingests any of the citrus leaves or fruit, they could develop gastrointestinal problems or even die.
In addition, citrus leaves and bark can actually scratch or irritate your cat’s skin. If there is an open wound on your cat’s paw or they are otherwise sensitive, they could get a painful abrasion from citrus.
If the citrus is on the ground, it could also be a trip hazard for your cat. These injuries could require treatment or antibiotics, so it is best to keep your cat away from citrus trees when they are unsupervised.
Are Citrus Fruits Poisonous To Cats?
Citrus fruits are very poisonous to cats. The seeds and the peel of citrus fruits are toxic to cats. If your cat ingests any part of the fruit, they could experience gastrointestinal distress and even die. The seeds in citrus fruits are particularly dangerous because they are like small seeds. If your cat ingests even one seed, they could end up having a serious blockage in their gastrointestinal tract.
Citrus fruits are also messy, sticky, and very appealing to cats. If your cat is eating citrus fruits, they could end up ingesting a significant amount of the peel or other parts of the fruit that they don’t swallow. Cats also don’t have the necessary enzymes to properly digest citrus fruits, so they could end up with gastrointestinal distress even if they don’t ingest the seeds.
Citrus fruits are also very high in sugar, which cats don’t need in their diet. Eating citrus fruits can cause weight gain in cats and lead to other health issues. Eating citrus fruits can also cause your cat to have bad breath or an increased amount of drool. These side effects aren’t life-threatening, but they are definitely undesirable.
How To Keep Your Cat from Eating Citrus Tree Leaves
Citrus trees are beautiful additions to your home, but they pose a danger to your cat. To keep your cat safe, keep them away from citrus trees.
Since citrus trees produce leaves and fruit, it’s important to do what you can to prevent your cat from ingesting any of the poisonous parts. If you must have a citrus tree, you can always:
- Prune the tree
- Put the tree in a protective cage
- Keep the tree in a room away from the cats
One way to keep your cat away from the tree is to prune it. It is important to prune citrus trees regularly, but it is also important to keep your cat away while you are doing so.
Keeping the tree inside a cage is another good way to prevent your cat from getting to its leaves. You can also regularly remove fallen leaves and citrus pulp from around the tree. It is important to keep these things away from your cat to prevent them from ingesting them and becoming sick.
Is Citrus Smell Toxic to Cats?
The scent of citrus isn’t toxic to cats. In fact, citrus scents are often used to repel cats from areas such as gardens. Cats have a strong sense of smell, so the citrus scent will likely drive them away.
Cats have a strong sense of smell that allows them to detect odors. The sense of smell is the first sense that cats develop, so they are very in tune with their noses. Cats can detect certain odors that are too faint for humans to detect. However, cats also don’t have the ability to detect certain odors. Cats can’t detect the scent of citrus. They also may be unable to detect scents that are too strong. Strong scents can actually be irritating to cats, so citrus scents could cause them to stay away from your yard or garden.
Conclusion
Citrus trees are beautiful additions to a garden, but they pose a danger to cats. Cats can be injured by citrus trees, and they can also be poisoned by the leaves, bark, and fruit. Cats can also ingest citrus fruits and seeds, which can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Citrus trees are a danger to cats because they produce leaves, fruit, and a citrus smell. While the scent isn’t toxic to cats, it can drive them away from areas where citrus scents are used. Cats are drawn to citrus fruits, and the seeds in the citrus fruit pose the biggest danger. Citrus fruits are also messy, sticky, and can be a trip hazard for cats.