Yes, in moderation
A tiny amount of coconut oil is not toxic to cats, but it is pure fat and the health claims are largely unproven. Too much can cause diarrhea and weight gain.
| Can cats eat it? | In moderation |
| Calories | About 5 kcal per 1/8 teaspoon coconut oil |
| Main benefit | Not toxic |
| Main risk | Very high in calories |
| Kittens? | In tiny amounts once on solid food; kittens have sensitive stomachs |
Free · instant · based on veterinary formulas
Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One 1/8 teaspoon coconut oil has about 5 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult cat could have in a day if coconut oil were the only treat.
| Cat weight | Daily treat budget | Max coconut oil per day |
|---|---|---|
| 6 lb (2.7 kg) | 18 kcal | 3.5 × 1/8 teaspoon coconut oil |
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 22 kcal | 4 × 1/8 teaspoon coconut oil |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 26 kcal | 5 × 1/8 teaspoon coconut oil |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 30 kcal | 5.5 × 1/8 teaspoon coconut oil |
| 14 lb (6.4 kg) | 34 kcal | 6.5 × 1/8 teaspoon coconut oil |
Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your cat seems unwell.
Check your cat's full daily needs with the cat food calculator.
A tiny amount of coconut oil is not toxic to cats, but it is pure fat and the health claims are largely unproven. Too much can cause diarrhea and weight gain.
A thin layer is unlikely to harm, but cats groom it off. See your vet for persistent skin problems.
Yes, in very small amounts once they are eating solid food. Kittens have sensitive stomachs, so offer a tiny piece and stop if you see loose stool. Most of their calories should come from a complete kitten food.
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This guide is general information for healthy adult cats. Cats with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.
In moderation
A tiny amount of coconut oil is not toxic to cats, but it is pure fat and the health claims are largely unproven.