Can Cats Drink Olive Oil? Nutrition Facts & Potential Risks

Olive oil is a staple in many households worldwide. It can make food taste better, is full of antioxidants that help keep people healthy,¹ can stay on the shelf for a while without going bad, and is relatively affordable. Sometimes, olive oil can even be found in the ingredients list of commercial cat foods.

But is it okay to give olive oil to our cats at home? The short answer is yes! Cats can have a small amount of olive oil added to their diet. However, you should not give it freely without understanding how olive oil benefits cats, how much they should get at any given time, and how to offer it to them. Read on as we explore these topics here.

Is Olive Oil Beneficial for Cats?

The same benefits that olive oil offers humans can be extended to felines. The antioxidants in olive oil help fight free radicals and promote proper cellular function. They can prevent cancer from developing and growing and keep inflammation in check. Olive oil can also help keep your cat’s coat soft and supple as they age.

Maintaining strong, healthy muscles is another benefit that felines can get from olive oil. Cats also seem to enjoy consuming olive oil for whatever reason, so it can help make their food more appealing, which can be helpful if your pet is older and starting to show less interest in eating.

However, olive oil is quite high in calories and fat. Domestic cats, especially indoor ones, are prone to obesity,² so they should only have a certain amount of fats in their diet, and a specific cat’s calorie limit should be set based on their size and age. Olive oil is unlikely to suit these parameters, especially since it doesn’t have any protein, which obligate carnivores like felines primarily need in their food.

How Much Olive Oil Should Be Given to Cats?

Cats do not need a lot of olive oil to benefit from it. So, there is no need to add it to all their meals or snacks. Felines should get no more than a teaspoon or less of olive oil in a day, and they do not even need it daily to reap the oil’s benefits. It is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food to your cat, and the same goes for olive oil. Your vet can recommend how often and how much olive oil to give to your cat as time goes on.

Remember that it is not necessary to give your cat olive oil at all. Your cat should get all the nutrition they need from the food you provide them with at mealtimes. No research says that olive oil will help your cat live longer.

How Should Olive Oil Be Given to Cats?

There is no secret technique for offering olive oil to cats. You can let your kitty lick it from a teaspoon, mix it in with their commercial wet or dry food, or use it for cooking homemade snacks like chicken pieces that your cat would love to eat between meals. If your cat takes any medication, you can mix a little olive oil with it to make it more palatable.

You can mix olive oil into a premade gravy mix and moisten dry food or dip treats in it. You can even use the oil to soak catnip in so it stays fresh during storage. The options are almost limitless! Use your judgment, and consider your cat’s preferences to determine the best method of administration.

Can Other Oils Be Given to Cats?

Olive oil is not the only type of oil that cats can consume to gain health benefits. Not all oils are optimal options, though, and some, like canola oil, should be avoided altogether. Here is a list of oils that you can allow your cat to splurge on occasionally:

Any of these oils can be used like olive oil when it comes time to feed your kitty. Just be sure not to overfeed any oil to your pet because it could lead to weight gain and associated health problems like diabetes.

Conclusion

Olive oil can be a healthy addition to your cat’s diet. However, it should be treated as an occasional supplement rather than a meal staple. When in doubt, talk to your veterinarian, and they can provide you with feeding recommendations based on things such as your kitty’s personal health history, weight, and age.

• See Also: Is Argan Oil Safe for Cats?

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Featured Image Credit: stevepb, Pixabay