What to do after ingestion
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, poor appetite, lethargy, hiding.
Remove the rest of the grapefruit and contact a vet immediately; treat oil or peel exposure as a poisoning.
Cats are especially sensitive to citrus oils, and limonene in the peel and essential oil can cause drooling, vomiting and lethargy; the acidic flesh also irritates the gut.
What to do after ingestion
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, poor appetite; heavy peel or oil exposure can cause lethargy and unsteady walking.
If only a small piece of flesh was eaten, stop feeding and monitor; contact a vet immediately if peel, seeds or essential oil were swallowed.
Citric acid in the flesh and limonene in the peel, seeds and essential oil irritate the mouth and gut, and larger amounts may depress the nervous system; a little flesh usually causes only mild upset.
Nutrition
Per 100 g, edible portionData source：USDA FoodData Central · SR Legacy · Accessed on：2026-09-28
Cat · Safe feeding conditions
CautionNo additional condition notes for this food
Clinical and veterinary sources
Cats are especially sensitive to citrus oils, and limonene in the peel and essential oil can cause drooling, vomiting and lethargy; the acidic flesh also irritates the gut.
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, poor appetite, lethargy, hiding.
Remove the rest of the grapefruit and contact a vet immediately; treat oil or peel exposure as a poisoning.
Cats need no fruit, so keep citrus oils, peel scraps and diffuser residue locked away; any treat should stay within about 10% of daily energy intake.
Dog · Safe feeding conditions
CautionNo additional condition notes for this food
Clinical and veterinary sources
Citric acid in the flesh and limonene in the peel, seeds and essential oil irritate the mouth and gut, and larger amounts may depress the nervous system; a little flesh usually causes only mild upset.
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, poor appetite; heavy peel or oil exposure can cause lethargy and unsteady walking.
If only a small piece of flesh was eaten, stop feeding and monitor; contact a vet immediately if peel, seeds or essential oil were swallowed.
Never feed the peel, pith, seeds or leaves, and keep citrus oils, peel scraps and diffuser residue out of reach; grapefruit does not replace water or a complete diet, and treats should stay within about 10% of daily energy intake.
This website is for reference only and does not replace a licensed veterinarian. If your pet has eaten a suspected toxin or shows symptoms, contact a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.