Why don't cats eat oranges? - briefly
Cats avoid oranges because their strong citrus scent and taste are unappealing and potentially irritating to their sensitive senses.
Why don't cats eat oranges? - in detail
Cats avoid eating oranges primarily due to their biological and sensory makeup. Felines are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet is heavily reliant on meat, and they lack the necessary enzymes to process plant-based foods efficiently. Oranges, being a citrus fruit, contain compounds like limonene and linalool, which are toxic to cats. These compounds can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea, and in severe cases, lead to more serious health issues. Additionally, the strong, pungent scent of citrus is highly aversive to cats. Their olfactory system is extremely sensitive, and the intense aroma of oranges is overwhelming and unpleasant for them. Cats also lack taste receptors for sweetness, so they do not perceive the flavor of oranges as appealing. Evolutionarily, cats have developed a preference for foods that provide essential nutrients like taurine, which are found in animal tissues, not in fruits. This combination of toxicity, sensory aversion, and nutritional irrelevance explains why cats naturally avoid oranges and other citrus fruits.