A lot of pet parents make the conscious decision to make sure that their cats don’t eat any human food, but if you’re a pet parent who wants to treat their cat with a bit of cooked chicken, what oil should you cook it in?
Are certain oils toxic to cats? Should you use water instead? Does cooking chicken in water even work? Should you simply make a broth or stew out of the chicken?
I’m sure you’ve all heard the craze about olive oil and how olive oil is now considered a superfood.
Have you heard of a superfood? Well, olive oil has been deemed one because it helps with the overall functionality of the body and provides excellent nutrients.
That said, if olive oil is so great for humans, does it mean that it’s suitable for cats?
Let’s break down some facts!
SHORT ANSWER
You can absolutely feed your cat olive oil. However, if you do make sure that you only feed olive oil in moderation.
Not only is olive oil is considered non-toxic to cats and can be a great supplement in their diet.
BENEFITS OF FEEDING YOUR CATS OLIVE OIL
There are several benefits that your cat can get from eating olive oil. However, even though this is true, it is highly recommended that you speak to your vet before supplementing.
1. OLIVE OIL CAN BE A VERY POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT
Olive oil contains vitamin E, chlorophyll, and polyphenols (which are bio-synthesized plant compounds).
These three components help boost and improve the function of the immune system, making sure that your cat can fight off any germs they come into contact with.
2. THE FATS OLIVE OIL CONTAINS ARE MONOUNSATURATED
Often-times we’re warned that certain oils are terrible for us because they can cause cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. However, olive oil allows fat to burn more efficiently and will help raise your cat’s metabolism.
3. THE FATS INSIDE OF THE OIL ARE GREAT FOR GROWTH AND AGEING
4. OLIVE OIL CAN BE USED AS A WEIGHT-LOSS AGENT
Since olive oil raises the metabolism and the fact that it only has monounsaturated fat, olive oil can help break down fats that are stored in single cells.
Olive oil can help aid cats who have obesity problems or cats that are at risk of strokes (due to being overweight.)
5. OLIVE OIL IS GREAT FOR SUPPORTING MUSCLE FUNCTIONALITY
6. OLIVE OIL CAN CURE CONSTIPATION
If you’ve ever had a constipated cat, you know how expensive medications can be. We learned this the hard way when Beau had his “PU Surgery,” and while I do not recommend giving your cat olive oil if your vet has prescribed something else, I do recommend feeding your cat olive oil if they are beginning to show signs of constipation.
Olive Oil helps to stimulate bowel movements. However, it will make stools softer or even liquid, so don’t overfeed your cat this oil.
7. OLIVE OIL IS GREAT FOR SKIN & FUR!
Olive oil has excellent moisturizing properties that will help improve the shine and softness of your cat’s coat.
8. OLIVE OIL HELPS AID THE PASSING OF HAIRBALLS
9. OLIVE OIL IS A NATURAL CURE FOR EAR MITES
Always check with your vet to make sure that this is the treatment they recommend, but olive oil is used as a cure for clearing out ear mites as well as infections within the ear canal. You can do this by dropping a few drops of olive oil into your cat’s ear.
Again, please check with a vet before you give this treatment, especially if you’re not sure how to put drops into your cat’s ear.
WHICH OLIVE OIL IS BETTER?
If you choose to feed your cat olive oil, you’re going to want to buy extra-virgin olive oil if it’s in the budget/is possible.
Extra-virgin olive oil is less acidic and is not chemically treated, making it safer for your cat to consume. Extra-virgin olive oil is also a much higher quality oil that will ensure your cat doesn’t get sick.
HOW MUCH OLIVE OIL SHOULD I FEED?
As mentioned, I would make sure not to overuse olive oil, and currently, there isn’t a concrete “recommendation” for how much you should feed your cat.
Some experts recommend giving your cat a tablespoon a day if your cat is struggling with constipation and a teaspoon a day for conditioning.
You should always start by feeding your cats small amounts and then increase the feedings.
I would only feel comfortable feeding my cat one teaspoon every three days for conditioning.
HOW SHOULD I FEED MY CAT OLIVE OIL?
You can mix the oil into their wet or dry food.
I would not try to syringe feed olive oil or try to feed it on its own due to its taste.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FEED MY CAT TOO MUCH OLIVE OIL?
Olive Oil is excellent and has so many benefits, but if overfed, it can do the exact opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.
Some signifiers that you are overfeeding your cat olive oil are:
Your cat may have diarrhea
Your cat may develop dehydrated skin
Your cat may become overweight
IF OLIVE OIL IS SO GREAT, WHY DON’T MORE VETS RECOMMEND IT?
Well, it’s not a matter of vets not recommending it as much as it’s the fact that a lot of foods already contain olive oil inside of them.
That said, take a look at the ingredient list on your cat’s food to make sure you’re not going to overdose your cat with olive oil.
At the end of the day, I always recommend talking to your vet about whether or not olive oil is suitable for your cat.
Not every cat will need an olive oil supplement in their diet, but if your cat suffers from things like constipation or a dry/rough coat, it may be a good idea to talk to your vet about this natural supplement.
CONCLUSION
Olive Oil is a great supplement that I would recommend including in your cat’s diet if they suffer from constipation or a dry/rough coat.
Please always make sure to be safe with the amount of olive oil you give your cat as it can get your cat sick. Make sure you’re “okay-d” by the vet, and you’re good to go!
I personally don’t feel comfortable using olive oil for conditioning (daily feedings).
I would only feed my cat olive oil when they are constipated, when they are having difficulty passing hairballs, or every three days if their skin & fur is getting too dry or brittle (for example in the winter.)
So pet parents & pet lovers, let me know have you included olive oil in your cat’s diet? Did it help with any of these symptoms? Have you had good or bad experiences?
Let us know in the comments below!