Is Coconut Oil Safe For Cats?: Discover Amazing Benefits

Is coconut oil safe for cats? This is a question you may be asking as a pet parent. After all, we all want the best for our fur babies.

Coconut oil is widely used in cooking, but also found in skin care and health supplements. However, is it safe to give to your cat?

In this post you’ll discover everything you need to know about coconut oil
and its amazing benefits for your cat’s health. You’ll also learn;

  • How coconut oil can help your cat’s itchy and sore skin
  • What type of coconut oil is safest for your cat
  • What is the best coconut oil for cats?
  • How you can apply coconut oil
  • Can cats eat coconut?

How coconut oil can help your cat’s itchy and sore skin

Coconut oil is made from the dried flesh of coconuts known as copra. One of its benefits is the ability to soothe dry itchy skin. In fact, if used in the right way can help treat your cat’s itchy or sore skin.

This miracle fruit’s anti-bacterial properties can help treat skin infections including dermatitis. Though there’s no scientific proof it will work for cats, many owners claim it does.

You’re advised to rub a small amount of coconut oil on affected areas once a day. Though you can also use it as a conditioner to give your cat’s fur a nice shine.

Be warned though, only use very sparingly! This is because your cat will lick herself and ingest the coconut. Although it’s not poisonous it could cause diarrhea if given too much.

Also, some cats tolerate coconut better than others and you won’t know until you’ve tried! Better to be safe than sorry and only use tiny amounts topically.

What other benefits does coconut oil have for cats?

is coconut oil safe for cats-benefit of coconut oil

Apart from soothing itchy skin, coconut has many other benefits that may help keep your cat healthy. These include the following;

  • Helps prevent hairballs
  • Boosts metabolism and aids digestion
  • May help ease arthritic pain.
  • Boosts liver health
  • Freshens breath

Helps Prevent Hairballs

Hairballs are a common problem with cats especially those with long hair. Coconut oil may help as it’s a natural anti-inflammatory and known to improve gut health.

One of the main reasons cats get hairballs is a sluggish digestive tract. Improving gut health and adding fiber to your cat’s diet may help.

Boosts Metabolism And Aids Digestion

Other surprising benefits of coconut oil include boosting metabolism. Ultimately, this could help an overweight kitty lose a few pounds!

However, don’t get too excited as there’s no scientific evidence to back up this theory. In addition, it may also improve your cat’s digestive health.

This is because coconut oil contains MCTs or medium chain triglycerides. These fatty acids are far easier to digest than others.

As a result, your cat’s body can absorb essential vitamins and minerals more efficiently. In addition, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties may help keep the gut healthy.

Ease Arthritic Pain.

is coconut oil safe for cats-it may help ease arthritic pain

As with elderly humans, arthritis is also common in older cats. This can cause pain as well as mobility issues, affecting quality of life.

The good thing about coconut oil is it can help strengthen bone tissue. In addition, anti-inflammatory properties may help ease arthritic pain.

Please remember though, this is only an unsubstantiated claim. That being said, there’s no harm in giving your cat coconut oil. That is providing you only give small quantities.

Boost Liver Health

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body apart from the heart. It works extremely hard at detoxifying the blood as well as doing numerous other tasks.

High levels of antioxidants in coconut oil may help protect your cat’s liver by destroying free radicals. These are very damaging and often the cause of inflammatory diseases in both cats and humans.

Fatty liver disease is usually associated with obesity. While this is often the case, you don’t have to worry about fats in coconut oil. As these are healthy your cat is unlikely to suffer from this condition.

What Type Of Coconut Oil Is Safest For Your Cat

While you can simply use any brand of virgin coconut oil it may be advisable to use products designed for pets. You can get everything from pet wipes to pet supplements.

I would strongly advise asking your vet first before trying human grade coconut oil on your cat. It’s probably ok to give your cat supplements though as long as they’re formulated for pets.

The only exception is if your cat is on any type of medication. If this is the case you definitely must speak to your vet first.

This is because some foods can interfere with certain types of medication. In any case, asking will put your mind at rest.

what is the best coconut oil for cats?

The following products for cats containing coconut oil are those I consider the best on offer at this time. I may make a small commission on sales, but this in no way reflects the price you pay. My opinions are based on research and customer ratings.

ImageNameLatest Price
CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for PetsCocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for PetsLatest Price
Best Pet Supplies Pet Wipes for Dogs and catsBest Pet Supplies Pet Wipes for Dogs & CatsLatest Price
kin and kind coconut oil supplementkin+kind Raw Coconut Oil Skin & Coat Boost Dog & Cat SupplementLatest Price
pet post cat ear wipesPetpost Ear Wipes with Coconut Oil & Aloe Vera For CatsLatest Price
weruva pumpkin patch up cat and dog supplementWeruva Pumpkin Patch Up! Pumpkin With Coconut Oil & Flaxseeds Dog & Cat Wet Food SupplementLatest Price
solid gold tropical blendzSolid Gold Tropical Blendz with Salmon & Coconut Oil Pate Grain-Free Canned Cat FoodLatest Price

Coconut Oil For Cats And Dogs Review

Here is a detailed look at my favourite coconut oil products for cats and dogs. Whether you have a cat with sore or itchy skin. or just want to supplement your pet’s diet, I hope you find something to suit.

CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Pets

CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Pets

CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is suitable for both dogs and cats. As it’s 100% pure, using non-GMO, trans, or hydrogenated fats you can feel reassured that it’s totally safe.

The product owners have a family owned certified organic coconut farm that’s 3rd generation. This helps reassure you’re getting a quality product.

It’s suggested you feed your pet this dietary supplement by placing it on the palm of your hand. This is great for bonding, though you may want to wash your hands afterwards!

The good thing about Cocotherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is you can also apply it topically. This is great if your cat or dog has a sore, itchy spot on her skin.

Key Features

  • Non-GMO
  • No trans or hydrogenated fats
  • Cold pressed
  • Virgin oil
  • USDA certified
  • Easy to administer
  • Human grade
  • Supports immune system and digestive tract
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat
  • Can be administered orally or topically.

Average rating 4.6 out of 5

You can buy CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Pets here

Best Pet Supplies Pet Wipes for Dogs & Cats

Best Pet Supplies Pet Wipes for Dogs and cats

Best Pet Supplies Pet Wipes are ideal for wiping dirty marks of your cat’s coat without the need to bath her. As cat parents we all know most hate water with avengeance

Most wet wipes are totally unsuitable for pets as they contain harmful chemicals. However, Best Pet Supplies contain no alcohol, parabens, or other nasties.

Instead, all ingredients are 100% natural, and each wet wipe is infused with coconut oil, cucumber extract, and Vitamin E. This makes a wonderfully soothing preparation for your cat or dog’s skin.

In addition, coconut is known for being an excellent conditioner as many of us know! This helps to promote a healthy, shiny coat for your cat or dog.

Long hair cats in particular are known for picking up mud and dirt. Whether muddy paws, or debris embedded in your kitty’s thick fur, wet wipes can be a great aid in grooming.

You can even wipe dirty bottoms or clean ears! Also, as coconut oil has antimicrobial properties it can kill harmful bacteria or fungi lurking in your pet’s fur.

You get 100 wipes in each pack, stored in a resealable pouch. This helps ensure they stay moist. The only downside is the packaging is non-recyclable.

Key features

  • 100 wet wipes in resalable pack
  • Contains coconut oil and Vitamin E
  • No harmful chemicals
  • Safe for all pets
  • Extra strong
  • Can be used in grooming

Average ratings 4.5 out of 5

You can buy Best Pet Supplies Pet Wipes for Dogs & Cats here.

kin+kind Raw Coconut Oil Skin & Coat Boost Dog & Cat Supplement

kin+kind Raw Coconut Oil supplement comes in powder form. This makes it easy to sprinkle onto your pet’s food.

The ingredient is 100% organic, non-GMO coconut oil. In addition, it’s certified USDA organic to give you peace of mind.

As organic coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids it’s far healthier. This also means it’s great for promoting healthy skin as well as joints.

You’ll be pleased to hear kin+kind have their own US facility, where employees are paid a living wage. This is great to know the company treats it’s workers ethically.

Key Features

  • 100% organic
  • Non-GMO
  • Certified USDA organic
  • Powder form
  • Easy to administer
  • Mixed by hand in kin+kind’s own facility
  • Workers treated ethically.

Average ratings 4.4 out of 5

You can buy kin+kind Raw Coconut Oil Dog & Cat Supplement here

Petpost Ear Wipes with Coconut Oil & Aloe Vera For Cats

Ear infections can be sore and painful, causing your poor cat to scratch and yelp in pain. Visits to the vet can be expensive, and many pet owners prefer trying natural solutions first.

While it would be dangerous to use cotton buds, ear wipes specially formulated for cats is a great alternative. Petpost contain a mix of coconut oil and aloe vera with no harmful chemicals.

These presoaked ear wipes will help provide soothing relief. In addition, both coconut oil and aloe vera contain antibacterial properties.

This is great for destroying bacteria that are often the cause of itchy yeast infections and ear mites. As the ingredients are pure it’s highly unlikely the wipes will irritate your cat’s ears.

However, NEVER use on open cuts as it could sting. Instead gently wipe any dirt, debris, or ear wax.

You can use Petpost ear wipes as part of your cat’s regular grooming sessions. Many buyers find their cats tolerate ear wipes far better than cotton balls soaked in liquid.

As the scent isn’t overpowering your cat should be ok. Many including mine run at the slightest hint of a scent!

Since the wipes are so gentle containing only pure ingredients it’s safe to use on kittens from 6 weeks old. However, if you are at all worried ask your vet’s advice first.

Key Points

  • No harmful chemicals
  • Contains coconut oil and aloe vera to soothe
  • Antibacterial
  • Gently removes dirt, debris and earwax
  • Easy to use
  • No messy liquids
  • eco-friendly
  • recyclable packaging

Average rating 4.5 out of 5

You can buy Petpost Ear Wipes with Coconut Oil & Aloe Vera For Cats here

Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! Pumpkin With Coconut Oil & Flaxseeds For Cats And Dogs

Weruva are a family run business started by the owners who wanted the best food possible for their 3 rescue cats. After formulating high quality pet foods, they began creating dietary supplements.

Pumpkin with coconut oil and flax seeds supplement contains only pure ingredients. These include non-GMO pumpkin and coconut oil.

Both coconut oil and flaxseed contain essential fatty acids and omegas to support gut health. In addition, pumpkin is packed with soluble and insoluble fibres to support your cat or dog’s stool health.

The supplement is easy to administer as you simply mix it in with your cat or dog’s food. You’re advised to use it sparingly at first.

This follows the basic rule of introducing new foods gradually. However, once your pet becomes used to the supplement you can replace up to 10% of her diet with it.

You can even provide the supplement as a treat. It’s really up to you and what you feel works best.

Please be aware that just like you and I, animals have their own likes and dislikes when it comes to food. This means there’s no guarantee your pet will take to the supplement.

Key Points

  • Non-GMO
  • Great source of fibre for gut health
  • Supports digestive health
  • Both pumpkin and coconut are superfoods
  • Flaxseed contains dietary fiber to support intestinal health
  • Wet food supplement
  • Easy to administer by adding to food
  • Can be given as a treat.

Average rating 4.5 out of 5

You can buy Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! Pumpkin With Coconut Oil & Flaxseeds here.

Solid Gold Tropical Blendz with Salmon & Coconut Oil Pate Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Solid Gold Tropical Blendz is made with pure salmon and coconut oil. As it’s grain free your cat isn’t digesting any fillers.

These are commonly added to commercial cat food to bulk it out. Though not harmful, grains contain zero nutrition.

In addition, vegetables including carrots, spinach and pumpkin are also included. These provide a nutritious blend of essential vitamins and minerals.

You have a choice of either 12 (3oz) cans, or 8 (6oz)cans. Remember, always introduce new foods gradually.

That way you’ll help avoid upset tummies or diarrhea. Cats are like people and not all foods agree with them.

I’d advise starting with a small pack first, just to make sure your cat is ok with the food.

Key Points

  • Preservative free
  • No artificial colorings
  • Added taurine
  • Fiber rich vegetables
  • Pure coconut oil
  • Responsibly sourced salmon

Average rating 4.4 out of 5

You can buy Solid Gold Tropical Blendz with Salmon & Coconut Oil Pate Grain-Free Canned Cat Food here

Final thoughts

I hope this article has answered your question “Is coconut oil safe for cats?” As you’ve found out, yes it is safe and in fact, has many nutritional benefits.

However, that being said, you can’t offer your kitty a slice of homemade coconut pie! Nor can you give your cat a saucer of coconut milk.

Any coconut you give your feline friend must be pure and additive free. NEVER give your cat any coconut products containing sugar or any other type of ingredient.

All products I’ve recommended are 100% safe for your cat. Whether you want to improve her skin or add shine to her coat, Cocotherapy could be a good product to choose.

Alternatively, supplements such as kin+kind Raw Coconut Oil may be a better option. In addition, you also have wet food dietary supplements such as Weruva Pumpkin Patch up.

If you’ve enjoyed this post and found it useful, please share. Feel free to share this pin on your “pets” board

In addition, if you have any questions or would like to share experiences please leave a comment below.

Wishing you a purrfect day:)

Kathy

6 thoughts on “Is Coconut Oil Safe For Cats?: Discover Amazing Benefits”

  1. I sometimes give coconut oil to my dogs and they love it. I have only used it once on Theo, one of my cats, for a skin issue, and it helped it heal. I just applied a little bit on it every day for a few days.
    Would it be best to mix some coconut oil in their wet food and how much is a good amount? A teaspoon or a soupspoon? Or less than that?
    I always make sure I have coconut oil in the house, but now that I read this article I may use it for the cats a little more often too now, not in excess, but once in a while.
    I like the pet wipes, they are good for the skin and I can imagine that they smell good (they have coconut oil in them, right?). Are these pet wipes free of animal testing?

    Reply
    • Hi Christine, so glad your dogs enjoy coconut oil as it’s so good for their coat and skin. Yes, you don’t need to apply much for it work, and glad it helped heal Theo’s skin condition. You can try adding a few drops of coconut oil to your cat’s food. However, I’d advise half a teaspoon to start with. This is in case your cat gets an upset tummy or diarrhea. You could gradually increase to a teaspoon, but a soup spoon would be too much. Yes, the wet wipes I shared here are cruelty free, and not tested on animals. Thanks for stopping by, and glad you enjoyed this post:)

      Reply
  2. Hi Kathy,

    Another good article! Before reading this, I don’t know that coconut oils can do so much to help solve cats’ health issues, especially liver health. I love pet wipes from your recommendations, which seems that cats tolerate more than cotton balls in liquid. One is coconut with cucumber, while the other is with Aloe Vera. I know both are soothing for human skin, but I didn’t know they also work on Cats. I can’t wait to purchase each one for my friends’ cats to reduce her frequency of bathing them. 🙂

    Thanks a lot for sharing.
    Matt

    Reply
    • Hi Matt, thank you for your kind comment:) Yes, coconut is an amazing fruit with so many healing properties. Also, when combined with aloe vera adds an extra punch! I’m sure it must be just as soothing and calming on the skin as it is for humans. Thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed this post:)

      Reply
  3. Hi Kathy!

    I am definitely getting the wipes. I have two 6 year old boys that sometimes have a hard time cleaning themselves and I’m often having to wipe their bottoms like babies haha! I’m also super interested in the KIN+KIN powder from Chewy. I do subscribe and save for their litter so I might tag it on to my next month to add to their wet food. One doesn’t ever have hair balls but the other does every now and then. Poor thing.

    Do you happen to know if coconut oil helps with dander? I saw it helped with itchy skin, which I don’t ever really see them scratch, but they do have dry skin under their fur and produce quite a bit of dander.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hi Haley, I can only imagine the unenviable task of wiping your kitties bottoms lol! I remember doing that with my previous cat when she was too elderly to groom herself. I hadn’t heard of pet wipes back then or if they even existed! So glad you’re getting the wipes as I’m sure they’ll be very useful! Yes, I know Chewy do subscribe and save, so that’s definitely your best option. With regards to your question, yes, I’m certain coconut oil would help with dander. As it’s mostly bits of dry skin, coconut oil would help moisturise. Thanks for stopping by, and glad you found this post useful:)

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Join Our Cat Loving Community!

Get Cat Care 101, Plus regular blog post updates...

We respect your privacy.