Kumquat

A kumquat is a citrus fruit, and **citrus peel and oils hold limonene and other irritants** that cats are especially sensitive to, while the seeds and stem end are unsafe too; cats need no fruit, so the safest choice is none at all.

Vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, poor appetite, lethargy and hiding, with more obvious mouth irritation after contact with the peel or its oils.

**Contact a vet immediately** if a cat ate kumquat peel, seeds or any citrus oil product, and never induce vomiting at home.

For cats the answer is none at all; candied kumquats and marmalade are unsuitable too as they are sugary and may contain alcohol or preservatives, so keep fruit bowls out of reach and any treat within about 10% of daily energy intake.

A kumquat is a citrus fruit: **the peel, seeds and essential oils hold limonene and other irritants**, so a large helping can irritate the mouth and gut; a little peeled flesh should cause no more than mild stomach upset.

Vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, poor appetite and lethargy; eating a lot of peel or any essential-oil product adds more marked mouth and gut irritation or depression.

A small piece of flesh means stopping the treat and watching; **contact a vet immediately** after more peel, seeds or any essential-oil product, or for continuing vomiting, drooling or lethargy, and never induce vomiting at home.

Offer only a tiny peeled piece of flesh and **never a whole kumquat**, since the peel's oils irritate; skip candied kumquats and marmalade, which are sugary and may contain alcohol, and keep treats within about 10% of daily energy intake.