Overnight exposure changes the risks slightly
While age doesn't increase lime toxicity itself, that patio-sitting wedge may have developed surface mould or attracted ants - both potential secondary irritants. The real concern remains the peel's psoralens and essential oils, which don't degrade significantly in 12 hours of air exposure.
Look closely at her mouth and paws for ant bites or irritation from crawling insects. Unlike fresh lime reactions that focus on the gut, contaminants might cause localised redness or swelling you'll spot during grooming.
How outdoor storage alters ingestion patterns
A lime left outside often dries slightly, making the peel tougher. This means your cat likely chewed longer to break pieces off, increasing saliva contact time with the oils. Watch for excessive drooling or pawing at her mouth - signs the compounds are irritating mucous membranes directly.
The good news? Partial dehydration reduces juice volume, so she probably ingested less acidic fluid than from a fresh wedge. The trade-off is concentrated oils in the shrivelled peel, which may explain any extra gagging or lip-licking you observe.
Why wilted citrus still packs a punch
Essential oils in citrus peel don't evaporate quickly at room temperature. That slightly rubbery wedge retained nearly all its original irritants, just in a denser form. What changes is texture - a limp lime is easier to shred, potentially spreading oils across more tooth surfaces.
Check her gums for redness, especially along the gumline where peel fibers might have lodged. If she's rubbing her face on furniture, the oils could be causing a mild burning sensation similar to our experience with chili oils.
Environmental factors that complicate the picture
Outdoor storage introduces variables like pesticide drift or fertiliser residues if the lime sat near treated plants. While these rarely reach dangerous levels, they can combine with citrus oils to heighten nausea.
Monitor for unusual symptoms like muscle tremors or excessive vocalisation, which would point to contaminant exposure beyond normal lime risks. Otherwise, manage it as you would fresh citrus ingestion - with extra attention to possible mouth discomfort from any hitchhiking pests.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Lime food facts page.