Elisabeth Shue
Coconut oil is becoming increasingly popular among humans for cooking, hair care, as a moisturizer, and more. But does coconut oil have any benefits for cats? Can you feed it to your feline family member or use it to protect their skin and fur? We asked a holistic veterinarian about cats and coconut oil.
Benefits of coconut oil for cats
Using coconut oil on cats has a variety of benefits, says Dr. Anna Gardner, a Washington-based holistic veterinarian. Externally, she says, coconut oil can help with allergies, dry skin, itching, and overall coat health. Internally, coconut oil can benefit your cat’s immune system, eliminate hairballs, reduce arthritis inflammation, improve breath odor, and help maintain gastric health, Gardner says.
Dr. Jeffrey Stupin, chief veterinarian for health at the Pennsylvania Humane Society, said he doesn’t recommend giving coconut oil to pets on a regular basis, but his colleagues have found it effective in treating skin irritation and other conditions.
How to feed your cat coconut oil
Gardner says you can mix a small amount of coconut oil into food or apply it topically to cats with skin problems, but as with any new food or supplement, don’t introduce coconut oil to your cat too soon.
“As with anything, introduce slowly as some cats tolerate it better and others may have an allergic reaction, which is rare but can occur with any supplement,” Gardner says. “Also, introducing it too quickly can cause diarrhea.”
Gardner recommends giving an average-sized cat 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon once or twice a day. Other veterinarians recommend starting with as little as 1/8 teaspoon per day. Gardner says cat owners who want to use coconut oil to treat or prevent hairballs can give it less frequently, such as a few times a week. Overall, she notes, you should start with a small amount and adjust the amount as needed.
As for how to get your cat to eat coconut oil, Gardner says it’s probably fine unless your cat is particularly picky. “Many cats like the taste of coconut oil, so you can give it to them plain,” Gardner says. If your cat won’t eat coconut oil on its own, try mixing it with a tablespoon or two of a particularly strong-smelling canned cat food.
The risks of coconut oil for cats
While coconut oil certainly has benefits for cats, it’s important to note that the ASPCA has it on its list of “human foods that should not be fed to pets,” saying that while it doesn’t pose any major harm, it could cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
Gardner agrees there could be risks.
“It’s high in saturated fat, so I would be cautious about using it in cats with pancreatitis, as some cats may be sensitive to it,” she says.
Stupin is also concerned about the risk of pancreatitis and says coconut oil use in cats should be closely monitored.
Coconut oil is also very high in calories, so if you start feeding your cat coconut oil, you will need to cut back on other parts of its diet to avoid unwanted weight gain.
Coconut Oil Alternatives for Cats
If your cat dislikes coconut oil, consider an alternative: In fact, coconut oil appears to be used in a similar way to fish oil, but coconut oil doesn’t contain the omega-3 fatty acids that fish oil contains, says Stupin.
Gardner says fish oil and topical olive oil can be good alternatives, but to maximize fatty acids, they’re ideally used together.
“I typically recommend fish oils like salmon, anchovies, or krill, which have a similar effect but are not as effective topically,” she says. “Topically, olive oil can be effective for skin issues but does not have the same anti-inflammatory effect as coconut oil. These supplements have some overlap with coconut oil but do not have the same effect.”
Keep in mind that every cat is different, so consult with your veterinarian to determine if the benefits of using coconut oil for your cat outweigh the risks.
image: Maladze From Shutterstock
