Can Cats Drink Orange Juice?
Can Cats Drink Orange Juice?
Orange juice should not be consumed by cats. Several polyphenol antioxidants found in oranges have a harmful impact on cats. Polyphenols such as psoralens, limonene, and linalool are powerful plant substances that may harm your cat’s physiology. To refresh their knowledge of the science, pet owners should know that cats do not generate “glucuronyl transferase.” The polyphenols and essential oils in oranges and orange juice are broken down by this enzyme, which prevents a harmful response to the substances. The cat is an obligate carnivore, which means it can only consume meat. They lack the development of herbivore and omnivore features in the digestive tract, such as the capacity to generate glucuronyl transferase.
Is Orange Juice Bad for Cats?
Orange juice is harmful to cats for a variety of reasons.
Vitamin C
The majority of us drink orange juice to raise the quantity of vitamin C in our bodies, which helps to strengthen our immune systems and protect us from illness. Cats, on the other hand, make their own vitamin C in their liver and do not need supplements unless prescribed by a physician.
Allergies
Some cats are sensitive to oranges and may have an allergic response just by being in the vicinity of the fruit or fruit tree. Even brushing up to the tree might result in facial edema. Your cat may also have difficulty breathing or have a runny nose or eyes. Itching, itching, and hives are all typical allergic response signs.
Psoralens
Orange juice contains psoralens, a toxic chemical that may make your pet more sensitive to sunlight. Cats are particularly vulnerable to the effects of psoralens due to their thin skin, which may readily burn if exposed. Skin rashes, dyspepsia, and even melancholy have all been linked to psoralens.
Sugar
Orange juice also contains a lot of sugar, which may contribute to obesity and tooth damage. Sugar is tasteless to cats, because their bodies lack the enzyme needed to metabolize it. Cats already have a high rate of dental disease, so it’s best to avoid adding any more sweets to their diet.
Essential Oils
Citric acid is less dangerous to your cat than the essential oils in oranges. Although the concentration is greater in the tree’s leaves and stems, essential oils may also be found in the fruit. Because cats lack the enzymes needed to break down the oils, they have difficulties breathing, drooling, weakness, muscular spasms, and vomiting. If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, take them to the doctor right away, along with a sample of any essential oil they may have consumed.
Citric Acid
While some data suggests that citric acid is safe in tiny amounts, most experts believe that orange juice contains citric acid, which may upset your pet’s stomach. It may irritate the lining of the stomach, causing long-term damage as well as vomiting and diarrhea.
Symptoms of Orange Juice Poisoning In Cats
Citrus poisoning is seldom lethal in cats, which is crucial to remember for cat owners. While this may relieve your stress, keep in mind that it causes your cat a great deal of agony, and they will most likely not feel like themselves for a few days until they recover. If you believe your feline companion drank your orange juice, keep an eye on them for signs and symptoms of citrus poisoning. Your cat’s organs may be damaged as a result of citrus poisoning. They may start to have problems with their liver and kidneys, which are the organs in charge of removing toxins from the circulation. Some cats may be attracted to the sweetness of the juice and will drink it. Only by watching for indications of citrus poisoning can you tell whether your cat swallowed any of the juice. Cats that drink orange juice or eat oranges have diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and drooling. “Citrus poisoning” is the term for this effect. Citrus poisoning in cats may lead to a variety of problems, including allergic dermatitis, which causes severe skin irritation in your cat.
What To Do If Cat Drinks Orange Juice?
The best course of action is to keep an eye on your cat over the following several hours. It will take time for anything your cat eats to get through their digestive system. The majority of the time, they will be expelled via vomiting or a fast trip to the litter box. Make sure they aren’t exhibiting any symptoms or adverse reactions as a result of the orange juice. If they have consumed a significant quantity, you may detect signs of citrus poisoning immediately. Some may argue that a little quantity of these essential oils in the body of a cat is OK, but I would suggest proceeding with care. Before following any advise on essential oils in cats, or citrus fruits in general, it’s best to get medical counsel.
Conclusion
The good news is that most cats are repulsed by the scent of citrus, so odds of your cat eating an orange or drinking orange juice are minimal to none. The orange fruit itself is unlikely to harm your cat in small quantities, but if you believe your cat has eaten any of the rind or seeds, keep a watch on her and take her to your veterinarian if she begins to develop any concerning signs. Cats produce their own vitamin C, so they won’t profit from eating citrus in any way, and they’ll most likely flee at the mere sight of it. So, although a glass of orange juice may be a nutritious and pleasurable treat for you, don’t try to feed it to your cat since it will do more damage than good.
