The summer months are the worst! Heatwaves are doing the rounds. Therefore causing dehydration and exhaustion for both, us and our pets. It’s not the best time of the year. Although we have the luxury to indulge in food and drinks that help keep our bodies cool. One such is a chilled lemonade! The easiest drink to make us all our fridges are stocked up with lemons and bottles of water. Chances are that your furry one is eyeing your arrival and departure from the kitchen so that he or she can get lucky. While his or her looks may tempt you into quickly making lemonade for them too, it might not be the smartest idea and here’s why.
Cats and lemon infused water do not go hand in hand. As you may have read earlier, lemon is a part of the citrus fruit family. Hence lemons, oranges limes, grapefruits and the like are toxic to them. The linalool, limonene and psoralens that are present in lemons are extremely dangerous for your cats. All parts of lemon, be it the seed, the pulp or the skin must not be consumed. If you’ve left your lemonade unattended on the kitchen counter and if he or she has taken a swig or two of it, there might be a lot of cleaning up ahead of you. Lemons can induce gastrointestinal issues. He or she might end up throwing up as the lemon might have touched a nerve or two and triggered an upset stomach. Not to scare you, but if he or she has enjoyed your glassful of lemonade, you just might have to rush him or her to the veterinarian to get it all flushed out!
However, many may argue that this ingredient is found in grooming products. It is proven that lemon is an ingredient used in anti-tick and anti-flea shampoos. The juice of a lemon amalgamated with other ingredients part of the shampoo or conditioner formulation acts as a great remedy in cases of a tick or flea infestation. But first and foremost, it is important to consult your vet before using a shampoo or conditioner with lemon for your cat as he or she could react badly. In some cases, it could do the opposite of helping the fur, he or she might end up with skin irritation or a terrible rash. While we want to serve them the best as a due diligent slave, it is a must to ensure to check up and does thorough research before making the switch. Your veterinarian will tell you how this ingredient has always been a debate as it might not be safe for felines. There are plenty of options to treat ticks and fleas and your vet will tell you best!
Thankfully, most cats have a sought-after temperament. They don’t like to indulge in too many activities and enjoy lazing around and enjoy basking in the sun whilst the air conditioner blows on their fur. They avoid most pungent smelling ingredients as they’re extremely careful what they put their head into. Quite literally! Therefore, it is rare to spot a cat who likes lapping up lemonade straight from a glass. But hey – you never know, and prevention is better than cure!
