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A white-haired woman in glasses sips lemonade through a straw on a shady patio as a ruddy Abyssinian cat sniffs the glass. 31 / 34

Grandma Ruth Poured a Tall Glass of Lemonade. Someone Wanted to Inspect It.

AI imageabyssinian catlemonadeshady patio

Lemon slices, ice cubes, and a striped straw: the perfect cure for a warm afternoon. Grandma Ruth sits in the dappled shade of a patio arbor, wearing a navy quilted vest over a faded denim shirt, glasses on and lips closed around the straw as she takes a long, slow sip. Saffron, never one to miss anything going on at nose level, has stretched up beside her to give the glass a thorough sniff, ears swiveled, whiskers forward. Behind them, a wooden bench with a folded blanket, pots of flowers, and a sunny lawn fill out a lazy summer scene.

Most cats are not fans of citrus. The strong scent tends to put them off, and that is a good thing, because the oils and compounds in lemons, limes, and oranges can upset a cat's stomach or irritate the skin. A curious sniff is harmless, but it is best not to let a cat lick lemonade or chew on citrus peels. Sugary drinks are also not suitable for pets. On hot days, the most helpful thing you can offer a cat is fresh, cool water in a clean bowl and a shady place to rest. Some cats prefer running water, so a pet fountain can encourage them to drink more.

One whiff will probably be plenty. Saffron will wrinkle his nose, decide the drink is not for him, and settle back into the shade, leaving Ruth to enjoy her lemonade in peace.

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