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Google Gemini Answer
Lemons can be harmful to cats if eaten in large quantities. The severity of the reaction depends on how much your cat ate. Here’s what you should do:
If you saw your cat eat the lemon:
- Contact your veterinarian immediately. They can advise you on the best course of action based on the amount of lemon ingested and your cat’s condition.
- Bring the lemon with you to the vet if possible. This will help them assess the situation.
Monitor your cat for signs of distress:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Do not induce vomiting at home unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. Some things cats ingest can be more harmful coming back up than going down.
General Information:
- A small lick or two of lemon is unlikely to cause serious harm.
- The citric acid in lemons can irritate your cat’s mouth and digestive system.
- In severe cases, limonene, a compound in citrus peels, can be toxic to cats.
Here are some resources from American veterinary organizations that you may find helpful:
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 777-6476
I hope this information helps!