Can cats eat olive oil?
Olive oil is pure fat, and VCA advises against sharing fatty food with cats. In pets, olive oil can cause greasy stools and pancreatitis (ASPCA), and plant oils lack certain fatty acids cats need (iCatCare, Merck).
Good to know: Not as a home remedy for constipation or hairballs: give laxatives only on your vet’s advice (PDSA).
Better choices, for example
Questions
Can dogs eat olive oil?
Better not. Olive oil is pure fat, and oils can trigger pancreatitis in dogs (Pet Poison Helpline). In pets, olive oil can also cause greasy stools (ASPCA), and AKC says it doesn’t meet dogs’ fatty acid needs.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals – Dos and don’ts for a cat-safe game day
- ASPCA – Is It Ever Safe to Induce Vomiting?
- International Cat Care – Feeding your cat or kitten
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals
- PDSA – Constipation in cats
- Pet Poison Helpline – Pet Poison First Aid Misconceptions
Last checked: October 2026