Why?
Citrus fruits contain citric acid and essential oils that irritate a cat's stomach and gut. Juice has less of these oils than the peel, but it's still acidic and very sugary, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Cats don't need the vitamin C either: their bodies make their own. Most cats actually hate the smell of citrus.
How much?
No amount is recommended. Don't leave a glass of juice within reach, or orange peels in an open trash can.
The risks
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Irritation of the mouth and stomach
- Useless sugar, weight gain if it happens often
Your cat ate some: what now?
A few laps of orange juice usually cause, at worst, a passing tummy upset: leave fresh water out and watch your cat for 24 to 48 hours. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea keeps coming back, if your cat drank a lot, or if it chewed on peels.
Better options
Fresh water, plain and simple. To help your cat drink more, add a little water to its wet food or set up a fountain.
Common questions
Do cats need vitamin C from orange juice?
No. Unlike humans, cats make their own vitamin C. Juice would only give them sugar and acidity.
Can cats drink apple juice?
It isn't irritating like citrus, but it's mostly sugar and useless for a cat. A lick is harmless; it's just not a drink to offer.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.