Can cats eat olives?
Olives for Cats: Between Health and Danger – What Owners Should Know
We humans have developed a preference for olives, and that is hardly surprising: these fruits not only taste delicious, but their oil is also perfect for salads, tasty dishes, and the care of skin and hair. However, cat owners often face the question of whether olives are suitable for their curious animal companions.
Cats seem to be very enthusiastic about this fruit originating from the Mediterranean. Barely do you place green olives on the table, and your furry friend stealthily approaches, showing great interest in them.
But do cats actually like olives? Most cats have a preference for olives and willingly make an exception from their otherwise meat-heavy diet. In the following, you will learn more about the compatibility of olives with cats, potential risks, the allure to our furry friends, and other relevant information.
Can Cats Eat Green Olives?
Although no definitive data is available, there are some solid hypotheses that can serve as a basis. Olives leave a pleasant aftertaste in cats, reminiscent of the sensation they experience when licking catnip. Therefore, it is not surprising that cats like olives.
This attraction could be attributed to the presence of Nepetalactone. This is a chemical molecule found in catnip and has also been identified in olives, especially in green ones. If you are not familiar with the effect of catnip on cats: the taste of catnip binds to receptors in your cat's nose, triggering a euphoric behavior. Many people draw a comparison between a cat's reaction to catnip and the reaction of humans to drugs.
Olives for Cats: Toxic or Not?
Olives are neither toxic nor dangerous for cats. However, they do not offer significant nutritional benefits for your fluffy companions. Cats are obligate carnivores and derive most of their necessary nutrients from proteins. Olives, however, are not particularly rich in these essential nutrients.
Although olives are generally not considered toxic to cats, the fillings in stuffed olives could be problematic. Olives with pits should definitely be avoided: the pits pose a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage if swallowed.
When Are Olives Bad for Cats?
Seasoned or oil-refined olives should never be consumed by cats! Especially the salt contained in these olives can quickly become problematic for cats, as they are not accustomed to salty foods. If your cat eats salted olives, there is a risk of salt poisoning. In such a case, swift action and a visit to the veterinarian are essential.
Symptoms of salt poisoning in cats may include:
- Vomiting
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Loss of appetite
- Trembling
- Fainting
All these symptoms, especially after the consumption of large amounts of salt, are extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should promptly consult a veterinarian. Excessive salt consumption can also lead to kidney failure, so cats should never be allowed to eat salted olives.
If your cat is suffering from diabetes, you should never give her olives. Studies have shown that the consumption of olives in diabetic cats can trigger insulin resistance. Therefore, it is advisable not to feed your cat olives, regardless of the type.
Are Olives Healthy for Cats?
Cats are naturally obligate carnivores and derive all their nutrients from meat, bones, and muscle tissue of prey animals. Olives do not belong to this diet and do not offer nutritional benefits for your cat. However, olives could occasionally contribute to the health of your cat.
Olives contain a variety of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients that could help prevent cancer and alleviate conditions such as arthritis. These properties, however, have only been proven for humans so far. Whether they can also be beneficial for the health of cats is not yet conclusively determined.
How Often Can Cats Eat Olives?
Since olives have no significant benefits for cats and the contained salt can be harmful, olives should only be fed occasionally and in very small quantities. It is recommended to do this sporadically and ensure that it has no negative effects on your cat's health.
Olives for Cats - Our Conclusion
In summary, cats can occasionally eat a small piece of green olives without causing immediate health damage. However, olives should not be a part of your cat's regular diet.
Instead, you should focus on a species-appropriate diet that provides your cat with all the necessary nutrients in the right amount. High-quality cat food, such as the grain-free variants of "I love my cat," is a good choice.
In our range, you will find not only high-quality dry and wet cat food but also a selection of tasty cat snacks made from healthy ingredients, allowing you to delight your four-legged friend in a species-appropriate manner. So why not give it a try? We are convinced that these little treats will taste better to your cat than any olive.
Information Source: phys.org