In recent years, coconut oil has gained popularity as a wholesome, natural supplement to treat a range of cat health issues. But is coconut oil good for cats or is this just hype? We explore the potential benefits of coconut oil for cats, whether coconut oil is safe, and if it has a place in our pet medicine cabinet.
Why the buzz about coconut oil for cats?
Some of the buzz surrounding coconut oil comes from its versatility. Coconut oil has beneficial antimicrobial properties including antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects.
There are many anecdotal success stories from pet owners who say coconut oil has improved their pet’s skin and coat health, boosted their immune system, and provided relief from a range of ailments from skin allergies to inflammatory arthritis. This hype, particularly on social media, has created a ripple effect of interest in coconut oil for cats and dogs.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of coconut oil for cats, and explore whether it is safe.
Coconut oil for good gut health
Coconut oil comes from the flesh of the coconut. It contains vitamins E and K, traces of iron, and a range of fatty acids. It is these fatty acids that can be beneficial to gut health. This is because they react with enzymes in the gut to promote a healthy balance of bacteria. It’s like using a prebiotic or probiotic, which supports the digestive system to break down foods and get maximum nutrition.
The danger is that high-fat diets, including those rich in saturated fats, can increase the risk of pancreatitis in cats.
Antimicrobial properties of coconut oil
Coconut oil contains high levels of lauric acid which has an antimicrobial action and can help fight infections. If your cat has a minor wound or abrasion, applying coconut oil can reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Coconut oil is unlikely to be harmful if the cat licks it off, unless… they’re prone to pancreatitis.
Coconut oil is not as effective as other antiseptic solutions or antibiotics. It is just as effective to cleanse the wound with a weak salt water (saline) solution.
Coconut oil for hairballs in cats
Coconut oil is often suggested as a natural remedy for hairballs or constipation in cats. With hairballs, these tend to rattle around in the cat’s stomach where they inflame the stomach lining. Liquid paraffin (which forms a slippery outer jacket over the stool) is often given to make the fur ball slippery enough to bring up or pass through the colon.
It is also suggested for a constipated cat who struggles to pass hard dry faeces. Traditional home remedies include liquid paraffin or lactulose, which is a sugar that’s incorporated into the poop and softens it.
Whilst coconut oil is unlikely to do any harm, the benefits may be disappointing. That’s because, by the time the oil reaches the colon and rectum after digestion, there isn’t much left to make things slippery and aid in passing either hairballs or a bowel motion. At best, coconut may slightly soften the stool but is unlikely to solve the problem.
Coconut oil to promote weight gain
Coconut oil is often suggested as a dietary supplement to promote weight gain in underweight cats. Let’s say you have a senior cat struggling to keep weight on. Could coconut oil help? Yes, absolutely.
Coconut is calorie-dense – 117 calories per tablespoon, which is about half the daily calorie requirement for an average cat. It’s also easy to digest. Supplementing your underweight cat with ¼ to ½ a teaspoon once or twice a day could work. Although, simply adding a high-calorie supplement without addressing the cause of your cat’s weight loss may not help in the long term.
Be aware, that too much coconut oil may not be safe for your cat and could result in diarrhoea. Avoid starting with the full dose, and instead, give a few licks one day and gradually increase the amount. This will give your cat’s digestive system a chance to get used to it. If your cat is a fussy eater and won’t eat coconut oil on its own, mix it with a small amount of strong-smelling canned food.
Coconut oil can help senile cats
One reason there’s excitement about coconut oil is the possible benefits linked to cognitive function, particularly in senior cats. We know that medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) improve the way the brain uses energy to enhance brain activity and coconut oil is rich in MCTs. Although no research directly links coconut oil to the prevention of cognitive decline or senility, there’s a reasonable argument that coconut oil may help at an initial dose of ¼ teaspoon twice daily.
It’s important to balance this against possible weight gain and predisposing your cat to other obesity-related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, joint pain and arthritis or urinary tract problems.
Anti-inflammatory benefits of coconut oil
Some pet owners believe that coconut’s anti-inflammatory properties can treat conditions such as arthritis, atopic allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
There is some evidence to support this. For example, long courses of coconut oil were linked to better bowel health in cats with inflammatory bowel disease. Overall though, and despite holistic practitioners praising the benefits of coconut oil for pets, there is little hard proof to support these claims.
Coconut oil for itchy skin in cats
Coconut oil has good moisturising properties and is generally safe when licked off. It can be effective when applied to patches of dry skin and reduce itchiness in cats.
Be cautious when applying coconut oil to the nose and ears of your cat. Coconut oil doesn’t have any UV protective properties, and you risk sun damage and sunburn that can lead to skin cancer. The pre-cancerous stage of skin cancer in cats (squamous cell carcinoma) looks a lot like dry skin. Make sure you seek a veterinary diagnosis before assuming your cat has dry skin and slathering on the coconut oil.
Is coconut oil safe for cats?
There are some potential risks to using coconut oil. That’s why it’s important to consult with your veterinarian who can tell you how to use it safely and the right dose or application for your cat.
Pancreatitis risk
Coconut oil is rich in saturated fats, which can increase the risk of pancreatitis in cats if consumed in large amounts. Cats are especially prone to developing pancreatitis, a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. If your cat has suffered the misery of pancreatitis before, we’d argue that it’s not worth the risk.
Digestive upset
Some cats may experience gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea, vomiting or an upset stomach when coconut oil is introduced into their diet. If you’re considering using coconut oil, it’s important to start with small amounts and watch your cat’s response. Stop using it, if you notice any digestive issues.
Weight gain
Coconut oil is calorie-dense, so excessive consumption can lead to sudden weight gain and obesity in cats. If used as a dietary supplement, make sure you carefully measure the amount you add to your cat’s food and avoid overfeeding.
Allergic reactions
Reactions are rare but some pets may have allergies or sensitivities to coconut oil. Signs of an allergic reaction can include skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress or respiratory issues. If you notice any adverse reactions, discontinue using it and consult your veterinarian.
While coconut oil has some potential benefits for cats, it’s important to consult your veterinarian before adding it to your cat’s diet or using it topically. Your vet can provide personalised advice based on the specific health needs of your cat.
