Yes, in moderation
A small amount of olive oil is not toxic to cats and is sometimes suggested for mild constipation or hairballs. It is high in calories, and too much can cause diarrhea.
| Can cats eat it? | In moderation |
| Calories | About 5 kcal per 1/8 teaspoon olive oil |
| Main benefit | Not toxic |
| Main risk | 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 olive oil has about 5 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult cat could have in a day if olive oil were the only treat.
| Cat weight | Daily treat budget | Max olive oil per day |
|---|---|---|
| 6 lb (2.7 kg) | 18 kcal | 3.5 × 1/8 teaspoon olive oil |
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 22 kcal | 4 × 1/8 teaspoon olive oil |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 26 kcal | 5 × 1/8 teaspoon olive oil |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 30 kcal | 5.5 × 1/8 teaspoon olive oil |
| 14 lb (6.4 kg) | 34 kcal | 6.5 × 1/8 teaspoon olive 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 small amount of olive oil is not toxic to cats and is sometimes suggested for mild constipation or hairballs. It is high in calories, and too much can cause diarrhea.
A tiny amount may help hairballs pass, but there are better options. Talk to your vet if hairballs are frequent.
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 small amount of olive oil is not toxic to cats and is sometimes suggested for mild constipation or hairballs.