Thanks to its exceptional nutritional value, olive oil has been long considered to be a superfood and a trusty staple of numerous cuisines. But did you know that olive oil can be just as healthy for your cat as it is for you?
Is olive oil safe for cats ?
Yes, olive oil is generally safe for cats, and can even be a great supplement in a cat’s diet!
This also means that you can share any cat-appropriate foods you have cooked with olive oil, such as chicken, with your kitty – but only as long as you don’t use any spices and other additions that can be harmful to cats.
Still, there are certain precautions that you might consider taking before you include olive oil in your cat’s food. After all, all cats are not the same, with each having specific health needs and restrictions. We also recommend getting your vet’s approval before making any changes to your cat’s diet.
But can olive oil make cats healthier? And how? Read on to find out!
Health benefits of olive oil for cats
According to the USDA, one tablespoon of olive oil contains about 120 calories and 14 grams of fat, including 6.7 grams of monounsaturated or ‘healthy’ fat, 4.6 grams of polyunsaturated fat and tiny amounts of saturated fat, and finally, around 0.3mg of sodium.
That’s pretty good, considering how important healthy fats are to the smooth running of many physiological processes, from the production of hormones to keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay. They can also help prevent diabetes and promote weight loss in felines.
Olive oil for constipation in cats
But that’s not all there is about this precious oil. Olive oil is also a great antioxidant and an abundant source of Vitamin E, which nurtures the immune system, and there are many reports of olive oil improving digestion and providing relief from constipation in cats. And last but not least, an appropriate olive oil consumption can keep a cat’s fur and skin in optimal condition!
Diabetic cats, however, should not consume olive oil, as this can cause further complications of their condition.
How much olive oil should you give to your cat ?
Olive oil is highly caloric, of course, so you shouldn’t add too much of it to your cat’s food or do it regularly. It is generally considered as safe to add one teaspoon of olive oil to your cat’s regular food two times per week or less. Also, you will want to make sure that you’re using good quality, pure olive oil, preferably extra virgin.
And what’s best, olive oil is full of fatty acids that cats are naturally attracted to, and many of them find it rather tasty!
So as long as you’re sure that your cat doesn’t have any underlying medical issues, feel free to treat your feline friend to some olive oil!
