Apples, cherries, oranges they all taste so good and are a welcome treat during warm summer months. The ASPCA (www.aspca.org) Animal Poison Control Center reminds pet owners, however, that certain parts of these delicious fruits can be potentially irritating or toxic to pets.
In particular, the peels, fruit and seeds of citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, limes and grapefruits, contain citric acid, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation leading to vomiting and diarrhea. The stems, leaves and seeds of apples, cherries, peaches and apricots contain cyanogenic glycosides that can cause vomiting and loss of appetite. In severe cases, ingesting these parts of the fruit can cause weakness, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, shock and even death.
This summer, make sure your cat doesn't have the opportunity to nibble on these fruits. If you suspect your cat has ingested these fruits and shows symptoms listed above, call your local poison control hotline or your veterinarian.
Posted: July 10, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST