You might be surprised to find that your cat enjoys playing with a dropped olive on the floor.
Olives have a special allure for felines (see below for details). But, can cats eat olives without getting sick? It turns out that too many of them can make your pet sick, so it’s important to monitor her consumption.
To find out what happens if a cat eats too many olives and why cats enjoy them so much, we contacted Dr. Patricia Squillace, chief medical officer at Veterinary Care Group.
Can Cats Eat Olives?
Certified veterinary journalist Dr. Sarah Wooten says that feeding your cat very small amounts of olives (less than a whole olive) a couple of times a week is safe if your cat has eaten olives before.
Olives are safe for cats to eat in moderation, but they shouldn’t make up a significant portion of their diet because they are high in sodium and have no nutritional value.
Can Cats Eat Green Olives?
Isoprenoids, a special chemical compound found only in green olives, make them irresistible to cats.
Isoprenoids, like the active compound in catnip, bind to receptors in the vomeronasal organ of a cat, causing the same behavioral changes seen with catnip.
Green olives are fine as a treat if they are given in moderation, that is, no more than twice a week and no more than half an olive at a time.
It is also recommended that you stay away from alternatives that use additives or preservatives. Green olives without any added salt are always the best option.
Can Cats Eat Black Olives?
Black olives, like green olives, are safe for cats to eat, but the pits inside can be harmful.
Because they are fully mature when picked, this variety of olive requires a different curing process than green olives. Black olives, as a result of their preparation and packaging, typically have less salt and more oil than green olives. Black olives are healthy for cats when given in moderation and in their natural state.
Why do Cats Like Olives?
There isn’t any hard data to suggest why cats enjoy olives, but there are some speculations.
Olives may appeal to some felines due to their aroma, flavor, and the way they make them feel after consumption. In particular, green olives share a chemical compound with catnip’s nepetalactone.
The results are essentially the same; some cats become more playful, silly, or crazier than usual. Therefore, it is not surprising that cats enjoy olives; they are the edible equivalent of catnip.
Although most cats enjoy olives, some may only see them as a fun toy, and others may show no interest in them at all. The preferences and biology of one cat may not apply to another.
If your cat isn’t interested in catnip or valerian, they probably won’t eat olives.
Benefits of Olives For Cats
Because of their high vitamin C, A, and E content, olives are a wonderful addition to our diet. However, cats don’t share in this optimism.
Vitamin C is a vitamin that cats produce naturally, and they get the rest of the vitamins they need from high-quality protein. Also, olives aren’t the only healthy food option; there are plenty of others.
Olives aren’t essential to a cat’s diet, but some research suggests they may have health benefits. Veterinarians and pet nutritionists, however, are not unanimous in their belief.
Olives have vitamin E and other nutrients, but they also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent cell damage and diseases like cancer. In addition, anti-inflammatory foods can reduce the severity of arthritis in felines.
By alleviating pain, these foods can help arthritic cats get up and moving again. If you want to know if olives have any positive effects for your cat, a vet is your best bet.
Safety Concerns
Olives, when consumed in moderation, are generally safe for healthy cats, but excessive amounts can be harmful. Before you decide to feed your cat olives, it’s important to learn about the potential dangers.
- Olives are commonly preserved in a high-sodium liquid, which can lead to sodium poisoning if consumed in large quantities. Because of their connection to kidney failure, which is fatal in cats, all of these symptoms should be taken very seriously. Sodium positioning can cause a variety of symptoms.
- Inability to eat
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Extreme dryness or thirst
- Urinating a lot
- In extreme cases, seizures.
- The laxative effect of the fiber in olives has the same effect on kittens as it does on adult cats, causing stomach upset. This makes young cats more likely to experience diarrhea, which can cause dehydration and require a trip to the vet for emergency treatment.
- Also, keep your diabetic cat away from olives due to his sensitivity to insulin. Olives can cause insulin sensitivity in some diabetic cats.
- Olives with their pits intact pose a choking risk to cats, and so should be avoided. The best way to keep your cat safe is to either remove the seeds beforehand or keep a close eye on him as he eats.
Can Cats Have Olive Oil?
While olives and olive oil have many health benefits for humans, giving either to your cat in large quantities could make her sick.
Dr. Squillace reassures us that, “like olives, olive oil is not toxic to cats”; however, we must be careful not to overfeed.
Olive oil is high in fat and eating too much of it can lead to gastrointestinal distress.
Too much of it can make you sick to your stomach and bowels. Said Dr. Squillace.
Never give your cat more than a teaspoon of olive oil, as recommended by Dr. Squillace.
Can Cats Eat Olives On Occasion?
Your cat may be fine with a single olive now and then, but the high sodium content of olives can quickly lead to stomach upset or even fatalities if consumed in large quantities.
Dr. Squillace told The Dodo that while olives aren’t toxic to cats, there are still good reasons to limit or avoid giving them to your feline friends. Since olives are often stored in a salty brine, they have a high sodium content.
So, they can potentially cause metabolic imbalances that could be fatal if ingested in sufficient quantities, leading to stomach problems and/or diarrhea at best.
Olives may be toxic to your cat if they have been prepared with other ingredients (such as garlic), so only give her plain olives.
Dr. Squillace warned that “many olives are stuffed” with foods that could be harmful.
You should also avoid giving her any olives that have been pitted.
“In addition, many olives have pits, which could be a choking hazard,” Dr. Squillace warned.
How Many Olives Would It Take To Make A Cat Sick?
How many olives would make a cat sick? That depends on a lot of things.
Dr. Squillace says these include the cat’s “age, weight, and any health problems” (such as heart or kidney disease) and the type of olive fed.
However, if your feline friend is an avid olive eater, you can give her some in moderation as long as you remove the pit and limit her intake.
Dr. Squillace advises that while olives pose no health risks, they are not the best treat and should be given in extremely limited quantities.
(Don’t forget to contact your veterinarian if your cat ingests a large quantity of olives.)
In most cases, your cat’s diet should consist of no more than 10% treats. And before you introduce a new food to your cat’s diet, talk to your vet.
Adding Olive to Your Cat’s Diet
Cats can satisfy an olive craving in a number of ways, including eating raw olives or food or treats that contain olives or olive flavoring.
Olive oil is another option worth considering because it has advantages beyond those we’ve already mentioned.
Olive Oil
Cats can safely consume olive oil as a dietary supplement because it, like the fruit, is not toxic to them. When given infrequently and in small amounts (no more than a tablespoon at a time), the oil has been said to help with things like improving their immune system, lowering their risk of cardiovascular disease, and relieving symptoms of constipation and hairballs.
Kittens that have trouble digesting omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as pets with intestinal issues, can benefit from olive oil.
Because of its lower acidity, lack of chemical processing, and absence of any other oils, 100% extra virgin oil is the best choice for human and feline consumption.
Giving your cat excessive amounts of olive oil is like giving it too many olives. The occurrence of diarrhea is a major cause for alarm.
Other Uses
Your cat can benefit from the olive plant in more ways than just eating olives or olive oil. Some common feline ailments respond well to an ointment made from olive oil.
In addition to being unpleasant, scratching at dry or itchy skin can cause serious injury to your pet. Olive oil, like coconut oil, can be massaged into the skin to hydrate it and lessen itching.
Olive oil can also be used as an ear cleaner. Although it is not recommended for regular use or as a standard cleaner for ear mites, it will do in a pinch if you can’t find a commercially available alternative. Just a few drops will help clean up the mess and eliminate the pests responsible for it.
The Olive Plant
The leaves, wood, and branches, in addition to the fruit and its oil, are good for cats.
Olive leaves and branches are a popular snack for some feline friends. This routine makes their fur soft and shiny and helps them maintain clean teeth.
Olive fruit, like catnip, contains chemical compounds that make cats more interested in scratching, rolling, and nibbling on pieces of olive wood.
Final Recommendations
Your cat can safely consume olives and the plant itself may even have medicinal value. Olives and olive oil, when eaten or applied topically, can help your pet’s teeth, nails, and fur stay in good condition.
Cats are obligate carnivores, so it’s not good for them to consume too much of anything that isn’t meat, including olives.
Before making any drastic changes to your cat’s diet, it’s best to talk to your vet.