Coconut oil has become very popular in recent years due, and is marketed as a superfood due to it’s many amazing benefits. It has also became popular amongst pet parents which has lead many cat owners asking, “can cats have coconut oil?”.
Evidence suggests that coconut oil can boost heart health, encourage fat burning, boost brain function, protect your skin, hair, and teeth, and have antimicrobial effects. This is in humans, but can cats reap the same benefits?
We have thoroughly researched the subject and will answer all of these questions inside of this article.
Can cats have coconut oil? Let’s find out!
Can Cats Have Coconut Oil?
Although coconut oil is on the ASPCA’s list of people foods not to feed your pets, they still state that is not toxic and very unlikely to cause serious harm to a cat, providing they only eat a small amount.
Coconut oil can actually provide many benefits to a cat such improved coat and skin, aids digestion, and even helps prevent hairballs. But a cat consuming too much can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, loose, stools, and even weight gain due to the increased fat content.
What Is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil has been used in cooking for years and comes from mature coconuts. It contains saturated fatty acids called medium-chain triglycerides and can be used in both foods and health supplements. These medium-chain triglycerides are more readily digested which means they provide a source for quick energy.
This means that they are also less likely to turn into bodyfat. MCTs can also contain caprylic acid and capric acid which are different fatty acid chains.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Cats
1. It Supports Your Cat’s Skin and Coat
Coconut oil can be used both orally and topically which will prevent dry, irritated skin and help to keep your cats coat healthy and shiny. The fat content contained in coconut oil is also great for killing parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mange. As coconut oil is also anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, this also prevents infection caused from parasite bites.
Here’s some other information on how coconut oil can be good for your cats skin and coat.
- Rich in vitamin E: Essential for repairing the growth of damaged skin.
- Can be applied directly to bites, burns, sore spots, and rashes.
- A great moisturizer for dry or flaky skin.
- Antioxidant properties: Helps to heal damaged skin.
- Has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties which can help treat a range of infections.
2. It Prevents Hairballs
As coconut oil is so good for your cat’s coat, this means there will be reduced shedding and less chances of them forming hairballs in their stomach. Regurgitating hairballs can also cause inflammation in the respiratory tract. Coconut oil is also great to combat this inflammation.
The added moisture in the stool and improved digestion from consuming coconut oil will also allow hairballs to pass more easily.
3. It Aids Digestion
Strain on your cats digestive tract is prevented due to medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) found in coconut oil. It helps the body to absorb vitamins and nutrients and are easily digestible. Here’s some other ways it can aid digestion:
- Lauric acid: Is anti-microbial which kills fungi, parasites, and other kinds of bacteria.
- Contains antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties which is great for digestive health, healing injuries, and preventing inflammation.
4. It Reduces Inflammation
Coconut oil contains lauric acid that’s not only great for the digestive system, but also great to ease inflammation in the entire body due to the anti-inflammatory properties. This is a great option for older cats who suffer from swollen joints and arthritis. Coconut oil will help ease the symptoms which gives your cat a boost in energy levels and increases mobility.
5. It Boosts the Immune System
Taking coconut oil will boost the immune system and help decrease the chance of your cat suffering from allergic reactions and help protect against bacterial and viral infection.
6. Improved Brain Health
The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in coconut oil have been clinically shown to help improve brain health.
Risks of Coconut Oil for Cats
So far in this post on can cats have coconut oil, we have shown the amazing benefits that come with giving your cat coconut oil. This doesn’t come without a few risks of giving your cat coconut oil, and the ASPCA actually has it on there “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets” list. Small quantities are not going to cause any serious harm, but let’s take a look at the negatives.
1. Can Be Licked Off
As we have have previously mentioned, coconut oil is great for your cats fur and skin. As cats are notorious for grooming themselves, the downside to this is they will more than likely lick it off before the oil can do anything beneficial.
Although it is non-toxic, you will also have to be careful and look out for any allergies developed from the coconut oil.
2. High On Fats
Coconut oil is not only rich in healthy fatty acids and other types of fats, it’s also high in calories. Giving too much coconut oil to your cat can cause weight gain.
3. Can Cause Diarrhea
We previously mentioned how good coconut oil is for your cats digestive system. It some cases it can also cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can then cause other complications such as dehydration, physical pain, and other health-related issues.
Should You Give Coconut Oil To Your Cat?
Your question of can cats have coconut oil should now be a bit more clear after weighing up the pros and cons. The main thing to point out is, coconut oil isn’t cat food and they do not need it to survive. The oil should only be used as an occasional supplement. The best option is to always seek the advice of a veterinarian.
How Do I Give My Cat Coconut Oil?
If you want to give coconut oil to your cat and you have the go-ahead from a vet, here’s how you can actually use it.
- Use small amounts with food
- Don’t use too much too soon. Test slowly and see how they react. All cats are very unique and some can tolerate it better than others. Adding too much coconut oil too soon can also cause diarrhea.
- For an average sized cat: Give 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon once or twice a day. Some vets also recommend starting with just 1/8 teaspoon.
- For hairball treatment, use just a few times a week.
- For feeding: You can either feed directly or mix it with a tablespoon or two of canned food.
- IMPORTANT: Always make sure to use non-hydrogenated coconut oil with your cat. Hydrogenated fats are bad for both pets and humans.
How much coconut oil can I give my cat?
Most vets agree that ¼ to ½ teaspoon of coconut oil, once or twice a day is ideal for an average-sized cat. Some even recommend starting with just 1/8 of a teaspoon daily. If it’s just hairballs your treating, you can give just a few times a week rather than daily.
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Alternatives to Coconut Oil for Cats
If you don’t want to use coconut oil, then here are a few alternatives.
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Popular Questions
Can you use coconut oil on cats fur?
It’s perfectly fine to use coconut oil on your cats fur or skin, providing you only use a small amount, once per day. You can and should apply coconut oil even if your cat isn’t experiencing any issues as it will act as a moisturizer to keep their coat healthy.
Is coconut safe for cats?
Coconut isn’t toxic for cats and feeding small amounts should not cause any harm, providing it is a natural and unprocessed from of coconut. The milk and flesh of fresh coconuts can potentially cause diarrhoea due to the oil contained in the coconut.
Does coconut oil kill fleas on cats?
Coconut oil does actually contain lauric acid which helps to repel fleas & ticks. Lauric acid is non-toxic which makes coconut oil a great natural flea treatment, and you do not have to worry if your cat happens to lick it off their fur.
Can Cats Have Coconut Oil Conclusion
Can cats have coconut oil? Just to summarize, coconut oil is non-toxic for cats, so providing you only feed in very small amounts once or twice daily, cats can actually get many benefits from it.
Just be aware that coconut oil can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea in certain cats. Just test with a very small amount to see how they react, and always seek the advice of a veterinarian before introducing new foods into your cats diet.
Do you give coconut oil to your cat? Let us know in the comments section below.
