Avoid giving lime to pets in any form. Peel oils and citrus compounds can irritate the mouth and stomach, causing drooling or vomiting. Cats are especially sensitive to citrus oils. Keep peel, zest, juice, and lime-flavored products out of reach.
Lime is a small tart citrus fruit with acidic flesh and concentrated aromatic peel oils, used for juice, zest, marinades, and drinks.
Shows up in tacos, seafood dishes, sauces, sparkling drinks, and cocktail mixes as fresh wedges or grated zest. Bottled lime juice and flavored concentrates are also common kitchen items.
Pet exposure often comes from dropped wedges, squeezed rinds, or licking prep surfaces after juicing. Citrus essential oils leave residue on cutting boards, glass rims, and trash liners.
