Can cats eat coconut oil? If you’ve added coconut oil to your pantry and have been using it to cook with, you might have also wondered whether your cat can have some. If humans can eat coconut oil, can cats safely eat it too?
There is no short yes or no answer as to whether cats can eat coconut oil safely. Coconut oil is often lauded for a number of health benefits that it can confer on a cat. However, there’s also the possibility that it could prompt a bout of diarrhea or cause stomach upset.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before sharing any human food with your beloved kitty, including coconut oil. Here’s what you need to know about coconut oil and cats.
When Is Coconut Oil Okay For Cats To Eat?
There are claimed to be a number of benefits that come with adding coconut oil to your cat’s dietary plan. First of all, it can help keep your cat’s coat in great shape, which can also lessen the likelihood of hairballs.
Secondly, coconut oil may help aid digestion. This is due to the presence of lauric acid, which can ward off bacteria, parasites, and fungi in your cat’s digestive system.
Coconut oil may also help improve your cat’s immune system along with reducing inflammation.
If you’re going to feed coconut oil to your cat, make sure to consult with your veterinarian about the amount you should serve. Some vets recommend starting with a very small amount, like an eighth of a teaspoon.
Make sure that you mix the coconut oil into your cat’s food rather than attempting to administer it on its own.
You can also use coconut oil topically to help heal bites, wounds, and dry skin.
When Is Coconut Oil Bad For Cats?
If you’re considering adding coconut oil to your cat’s dietary routine, note that the ASPCA has listed the ingredient as something you should avoid feeding to pets.
While the ASPCA notes that coconut oil is “not likely to cause serious harm to your pet” as long as you only let them eat a small amount of it, coconut oil could “cause stomach upset, loose stools, or diarrhea.”
Has your kitty ever tried a small taste of coconut oil? Did they like it? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
