Oranges are zesty fruits that may be found in nearly every home. Cat owners should be aware that citrus fruits including oranges contain essential oil extracts such as limonene and linalool, as well as psoralens, which are poisonous to cats.
Limonene is a substance that can be usually found in flavorings, cosmetics, and cleaning products. All of these limonene-containing goods should be kept away from your cats because they are poisonous. Linalool is a pesticide that also contributes to the lemon’s citrus scent. While psoralen is commonly used to treat many skin diseases in cats, it has the potential to trigger photosensitivity disorder. If cats eat oranges, they may endure gastrointestinal distress, as well as skin irritation if they come into touch with them.
What Is Orange?
Orange is a genus of small trees and bushes in the Rutaceae family with roughly spherical fruits with leathery and oily rinds and delicious, juicy inside flesh. The orange tree can grow to be 20 feet tall and has medium-sized, broad, glossy, evergreen leaves with short wings on the petioles. It blooms with fragrant five-petaled white flowers that have five petals. The orange fruit is a berry called a hesperidium, and the flesh is divided into carpels.
Oranges are believed to be native to Asia’s tropical regions, although they are currently grown all over the world. They do best in regions where the trees are occasionally chilled by light winter frosts. The trees are semi-dormant at that time of year, and temperatures just below freezing do not normally affect them.
Clinical Signs of Orange Poisoning in Cats
If your cat consumes any kind of citrus fruit, he may develop poisoning symptoms right away. Depending on how much citrus is ingested, the intensity of the symptoms will vary. The following are some of the most typical symptoms of citrus poisoning:
First Aid and Treatment of Orange Poisoning in Cats
If your cat has eaten an orange but has come into contact with it and is experiencing skin irritation, the doctor will need to bathe him. This will help to remove any toxins from his system as well as calm his inflamed skin. If he already has irritation patches, the vet can treat the inflammation and itching with a topical corticosteroid. After the bath, wrap your cat in towels and blankets to keep him warm until he is entirely dry.
In case of orange ingestion, the veterinarian may induce vomiting using oral hydrogen peroxide. After this therapy is completed, the vet can use activated charcoal to absorb any remaining poisons in the cat’s stomach cavity. Alternatively, he could do a gastric lavage, which is a stomach wash, to drain out any leftover toxins that may cause inflammation.
Recovery from Orange Poisoning in Cats
After therapy, the majority of cats will recover completely. Discuss your cat’s diet with your vet prior to going home. Because your cat’s stomach may still be sensitive after treatment, the vet may advise you to feed him only soft foods for the next few days while he recovers and gains strength.
Prevention of Orange Poisoning in Cats
Remove any citrus fruits from your home or put them in a secure location where your cat will not be able to get them. To reduce the chance of hazardous plant exposure, keep your cat indoors. Make sure any perfume or shampoo you’re using doesn’t contain citrus oil extracts by reading the label.
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