Yes, cats can eat tangerines. Tangerines are a healthy addition to your cat’s diet – full of vitamins and minerals – but there are a few things you should know before feeding them to your feline friend.
Tangerine Nutrition for Cats
Cats need a number of essential nutrients that can be found in tangerines. The three main ones include: calcium, niacin, and vitamin A. Calcium are important because it keeps your cat’s bones strong and healthy, while niacin helps keep its skin clean from oil secretions and breaks down protein during digestion. Vitamin A supports a healthy immune system helping the body fight off bacteria and viruses as well as aiding normal vision function.
Tangerine Benefits for Cats
What are the benefits of feeding tangerines to your cat? There are a number of reasons why you should think about including them in your cat’s diet:
1. Tangerines can help clean any harmful parasites that may be present in or on the skin 2. It is an excellent source of vitamin A, niacin, and calcium 3. They provide essential vitamins and minerals such as beta-carotene 4. It contains potassium which is great for your cat’s urinary tract 5. They contain natural oils that promote healthy skin and fur 6. The seeds within tangerines have been known to relieve intestinal discomfort 7. The high concentration of vitamin C found in tangerines helps support a strong immune system
Tangerine Risks for Cats
Unfortunately, feeding tangerines to your cat isn’t without risk. A number of issues can arise when you do including:
1. Toxoplasmosis – an infectious disease that is caused by a parasite normally found in the feces of cats and undercooked infected meat 2. Pesticide poisoning – the same pesticides used to spray crops are sprayed on plants that can be damaged by cats 3. Kidney failure – due to high levels of oxalic acid 4. Malnutrition – if fed in excess or not balanced with other foods
When Feeding Your Cat Tangerines
If your pet does eat fruit, it should never replace its main source of food, but rather be fed in addition to it. You should not feed your cat fruit throughout the day, but rather only 1-2 times per week.
One thing you should keep in mind before feeding your cat tangerines is that cats are unable to taste anything sweet; which means they will likely not be interested in them if offered. You may need to sprinkle some salt or other spices on top of the tangerine for your cat’s enjoyment.
If you have any further questions about feeding tangerines to your cat, consult with a veterinarian who specializes in feline health and nutrition.
Are tangerines poisonous to cats?
Yes, tangerines are poisonous to cats. Eating even a small amount of tangerine can cause your cat some serious health problems. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or depression.
Call your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet ate tangerines. Your vet will advise you on the best course of action to take depending on the number of tangerines eaten.
Can cats eat tangerine peels?
Yes, cats can eat tangerine peels. Tangerine peels are actually more nutritious than the fruit itself because they contain larger amounts of essential vitamins and minerals your cat needs to stay healthy. Furthermore, since most of the nutrients are concentrated in the peel, giving your cat tangerine peels will make it feel full without consuming too many calories.
How much tangerine can a cat eat?
One or two pieces of tangerines once a week are enough for your cat’s daily intake of vitamin C and other essential nutrients found within these oranges. Keep in mind that if your cat is overweight, you should not be feeding it tangerines because they are high in calories. It’s also best to peel the skin off or remove the rind before serving.