Why a quarter wedge hits harder than you'd think
A 4 kg cat's digestive system is far more sensitive to citrus oils than a human's would be. That quarter wedge likely delivered a concentrated dose of limonene and psoralens straight to her gut lining, especially since cats tend to chew thoroughly. The oils bind to receptors in the intestinal wall, triggering inflammation that leads to those loose stools you're seeing.
What's notable here is the 12-hour persistence - this suggests her system is struggling to flush the irritants. Unlike a one-time vomit, ongoing diarrhoea means the compounds are still circulating. Make sure she's passing small amounts frequently rather than straining without results, which would signal obstruction.
The weight factor in citrus reactions
At just 4 kg, your cat's body can't dilute toxins as effectively as a larger animal. Think of it like alcohol: one shot affects a child more than an adult. Those few grams of lime peel distributed through her tiny system create a higher effective concentration, explaining the pronounced gut reaction.
Watch for dehydration signs - sunken eyes, sticky gums, or skin that tents when gently pulled. With diarrhoea lasting this long, electrolyte loss becomes a concern. Offer ice chips if she refuses water, and try plain boiled chicken broth (cooled) to encourage drinking.
When loose stools cross into danger territory
Twelve hours is the outer limit for waiting this out at home. If stools turn bloody, contain mucus, or she develops lethargy or fever, it's time for the vet. Prolonged diarrhoea in small cats can quickly lead to dangerous potassium and sodium imbalances.
Her litter habits tell the story: frequent small liquid deposits are less worrying than explosive bouts with obvious pain. Note whether she's still interested in food (even if it passes right through) - appetite loss would signal deeper distress.
Why peel matters more than flesh here
While the acidic juice certainly didn't help, the real culprit is the peel she ingested. Citrus oils concentrate in the zest, containing up to 10x more irritants than the pulp. Cats lack liver enzymes to process these compounds efficiently.
You might notice a citrusy smell to her stools or see greenish flecks - both confirm she's passing the offending material. Once it clears her system (usually within 24 hours), gut flora will need time to rebuild. A probiotic paste made for cats can speed recovery once stools firm up.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Lime food facts page.