Why?
Olive oil isn't toxic, and cats do need fat in their diet, but their regular food already provides enough. It's pure fat: in larger amounts it speeds up digestion, causes diarrhea or vomiting, and adds a lot of calories. Oil that's been used for frying or for cooking garlic or onion is off-limits.
How much?
A few drops, no more than a quarter teaspoon, once in a while, on their usual food. Not every day unless your vet recommends it.
The risks
- Diarrhea or greasy stool
- Vomiting after a large amount
- Weight gain if given daily
- Cooking oil flavored with garlic or onion
Your cat ate some: what now?
If your cat licked a little oil, don't worry. If they drank a good amount, watch for diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy over 24 to 48 hours, and call your vet if those appear or if the oil had been used to cook garlic or onion.
Better options
For a shiny coat, ask your vet about an omega-3 supplement made for cats. A sardine packed in water with no added salt also provides healthy fats.
Common questions
Does olive oil help with constipation or hairballs?
It's a popular home remedy, but there's little evidence it works, and it can cause diarrhea. If your cat is constipated or brings up hairballs often, talk to your vet about a proper solution.
What about other oils?
A drop of canola or sunflower oil is no more dangerous than olive oil. Essential oils are a completely different story, though: many are toxic to cats, even on the skin or in a diffuser.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.