What do you think of when you think of a cat? Do you think of a small, aloof creature that wouldn’t dream of eating anything but its kibble? Well, you might be surprised to learn that cats are quite adventurous eaters. They’re known to enjoy all kinds of fruits and vegetables.
So, can cats eat oranges? Let’s find out!
Is it OK for cats to lick oranges?
When it comes to cats and oranges, it’s a bit of a tricky situation. On one hand, many cats have an inexplicable love of citrus fruits, so allowing them to lick an orange seems like a harmless indulgence. On the other hand, ingesting any amount of orange — or orange peel — can be dangerous for animals.
Citrus fruits contain natural oils that can be irritating to the digestive system of some cats which can cause stomach upset or poisoning if enough is eaten. So although we all love seeing our cats enjoy their juicy treats, it’s best to keep them away from oranges overall.
Are cats allowed to smell oranges?
Many cats find oranges to be an intriguing smell, but whether or not your cat should be around oranges is more of a matter of personal preference. Some cats take no issue with the smell and may even be attracted to it while others may have a very different reaction. It all depends on the cat and its individual sensitivity level.
If you think it’s something your cat might enjoy, create an environment where they can do so safely, and make sure to supervise if your feline friend starts getting overly excited by the scent. As long as they don’t consume the fruit itself then having a whiff from time to time isn’t likely to cause any harm.
What happens if cats smell citrus?
If cats come into contact with citrus, particularly the oil from a peel, they may become uncomfortable and try to avoid it. The strong scent of citrus can inflame their sense of smell, causing them to sneeze, paw at their face, and even try to hide from the odor.
This makes sense when you consider that cats are predators and certain smells might make them think twice before hunting or playing with something. If your cat shows signs of discomfort after smelling citrus, it’s best to remove it from its environment.
Do cats like the taste of orange?
While cats can’t exactly talk, their behavior and their reactions give us some clue when it comes to things like food preferences. You might find your cat pouncing on that orange you were peeling and trying to get away with a juicy bite – if so, chances are they enjoy the taste of oranges! They love tart, acidic flavors, so citrus fruits are usually huge hits with cats.
However, if your cat seems hesitant or seems more interested in shredding the peel than taking a bite of the fruit underneath, they may not be too fond of it. In any case, keep an eye out for signs that your feline friend is in love with the flavor of oranges – it’s likely to become one of their favorites!
What do I do if my cat ate an orange?
If your cat has eaten an orange, or bits of its peel, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. While oranges aren’t toxic, they can cause a lot of gastrointestinal issues like indigestion and blockages that require medical attention.
Make sure that you’re familiar with the symptoms of these issues so you can let your vet know what’s been going on and how long it’s been happening. It’s also beneficial to provide a timeline in which they ate the fruit itself – this will help the doctor tremendously in diagnosing the issue. All in all, if your cat has ingested any part of an orange, it’s best to consult a professional and act quickly!
Final Remarks
After analyzing the facts and researching nutritional data on cats, it’s clear there is some debate about whether or not cats can eat oranges. Ultimately, the decision should be left up to you as the pet owner to decide if it’s safe for your furry companion to enjoy a slice of orange. On one hand, oranges offer some vitamins and minerals that could provide health benefits for your cat.
However, due to their high sugar content and acidic qualities, we recommend that only very small portions be given and always as a treat rather than an everyday snack. Regardless of what you decide regarding oranges in your cat’s diet, remember that even healthy snacks should never replace their regular meals they must provide all the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy.
As long as you make sure these risks are addressed and considered carefully when deciding to share oranges with your feline friend, you’ll both surely benefit from it!
