Cats love olives for some reason. The jury is still out on why exactly cats like olives, but we have a few theories. Some cats may be drawn to the smell, taste or texture of olives. Green olives in particular contain nepetalactone, a chemical compound that’s also found in catnip. When eaten, green olives produce similar effects to catnip in felines – they may become more playful or even act sillier than usual. So if your cat likes snacking on olive slices from your martini glass, there’s a good chance they’re enjoying the experience just as much as (if not more than) you are.
The majority of cats are attracted to olives, but some might just see it as an opportunity to play. Some might show a complete lack of interest in them. If your cat doesn’t show an interest in catnip or valerian, they probably won’t be interested in olives either.
Can Cats Eat Olives?
In small quantities, feeding your cat olives a couple times per week is okay if they’ve eaten them before without any issues. Olives are not harmful to cats in general, but since they’re high in sodium and lack nutritional value, you shouldn’t base your cat’s diet around them.
Can Cats Eat Green Olives?
Green olives are alluring to cats because of the presence of isoprenoids, a unique chemical compound. As with the active compound found in catnip, isoprenoids bind to receptors in a cat’s vomeronasal organ, resulting in common behavioral changes. Green olives can be given as an acceptable treat when given in moderation – a couple of days per week – as long as it’s less than a whole olive each time. It’s also best to avoid options that contain preservatives and additives; plain, unsalted green olives are always the best choice.
Can Cats Eat Black Olives?
Despite the fact that black olives are also non-toxic to cats, they can still be dangerous if ingested because of their pits. Unlike green olives, black olives are already ripe when picked, so they undergo a different curing process. This generally means that black olives contain more oil and less salt than their green counterparts. If given in moderation and in it’s most natural form, however, black olives can be a great treat for cats.
Benefits of Olives For Cats
While olives boast high concentrations of different vitamins such as C, A, and E, cats do not derive the same benefits from them. In fact, vitamin C is produced by cats naturally and they obtain other necessary vitamins through good quality protein in their diet. Furthermore, there are healthier fruit and vegetable options for cats than olives available. All things being considered, olives may offer some medical benefit to cats but this perspective is wildly contested among Veterinarians and Pet Nutritionists.
Vitamins aren’t the only thing olives can boast; they also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that destroy free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for cell damage, which eventually leads to diseases like cancer. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory foods help ease some symptoms of arthritis in cats by reducing their pain–thus restoring mobility. While olives may hold numerous benefits for felines, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian beforehand.
Safety Concerns of Olives For Cats
Although cats can eat olives in small doses without any health risks, it’s important to avoid feeding them too many. Excessive olive consumption can be harmful to felines, so get familiar with the risks before making a decision about whether or not to include this fruit in your cat’s diet:
- High sodium content – Olives are often preserved in high-sodium liquid, which can pose a serious health risk.
- Upset Stomach – Giving kittens olives can potentially cause stomach upset and diarrhea due to the high fiber content. Young cats are more susceptive to this health issue, which could lead to dehydration–and an emergency vet visit.
- Insulin Sensitivity – Diabetic cats shouldn’t eat olives due to the fruit’s effects on insulin levels.
- Choking Hazard – Whole olives can pose a danger to cats if they ingest the pit as it could get lodged in their throat and cause them to choke. To avoid this, either remove the seeds or keep a close eye on your cat when he is snacking on olives.
Adding Olive to Your Cat’s Diet
There are several ways that cats can get their fix of olives, including through cat food and treats that include olive or olive flavoring. Another option worth considering is olive oil, which provides benefits beyond just satisfying a craving.
Olive Oil for Cats
Similar to the fruit, olive oil is also non-toxic to cats and can be given as a dietary supplement. However, it should only be given in small portions (no more than one tablespoon) infrequently, as it is said that doing so can help improve their immune system, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and help with constipation and hairballs. While olive oil doesn’t contain a high percentage of omega 3 or 6 fatty acids, this makes it great for kittens who don’t easily digest them and pets who suffer from intestinal issues.
Choose 100% pure olive oil instead since it is less acidic and has not been chemically treated or mixed with other oils. By doing this, you can be confident that the oil is safe for your cat to consume.
It’s important to remember though that, like olives, too much olive oil can harm your cat more than help it. One primary issue associated with feeding cats olive oil is diarrhea.
If you’re looking for alternative ways to help your cat beyond just feeding them olives or olive oil, there are actually many other benefits and uses from this plant. For example, using olive oil topically can be great for treating dry skin or itchiness – just massage a small amount into the affected area. Doing this will hydrate their skin and hopefully reduce how much they feel the need to scratch.
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional ear cleaners, olive oil does the trick. Though it’s not meant for frequent use, a few drops will help clean and kill ear mites.
