Is Coconut oil Safe for Cats?

Are supplements as essential for pets as they are for human beings? They help in maintaining a balance of nutrients in the human body. How do they relate to the pets around us?

Coconut oil is a common supplement among people but how do they work for cats? Read on and get more details about cats and coconut oil.

Is Coconut oil Safe for Cats?

Yes, coconut oil is good for cats. Not only is it used internally in cats but also topically as well. However, it has its own limitations and conditions when given to cats.

Serving Coconut oil to Cats

Cats are fed orally with coconut oil either by mixing it with their food or spoon-feeding them. Feeding of coconut oil in cats should be gradual. Introduce it in small amounts while checking its effect on your cat.

Coconut oil intake by cats can be daily. Begin with a quarter teaspoon and increase it slowly up to one teaspoon but don’t exceed it. Too much coconut oil is harmful to cats.

For the topical application, apply coconut oil on cats in small amounts. If you are worried about it greasing your house, consider isolating your cat for some time until the oil reduces on its coat. If not, let it roam around freely.

Topical Coconut oil Benefits on Cats

Cats are easily exposed to other animals like rodents, dogs, and cats. This makes them prone to external parasites such as ticks, fleas, lice, and mites.

Is your cat experiencing external parasite infestation? Parasites are both irritating and dangerous to cats since they cause and spread certain diseases for example mange, Lyme disease just to mention but a few. Coconut oil could be your perfect solution.

Coconut oil repels and gets rid of parasites on cats, apply adequate amounts of coconut oil on the affected area of your cat. It is high in lauric acid which is responsible for parasite damage. The high-fat content in coconut oil suffocates parasites as well.

Use coconut oil as an ointment for your cat. It soothes and prevents dry, irritated, itchy, and cracked skin in cats. It is also a remedy for those dry paws in your cat or kitten and heals inflamed skin.

Apart from that, regular application of coconut oil on cats has certain benefits. It keeps its skin moisturized and ensures the development of good, healthy skin and fur. Cats’ coats can be kept shiny by applying coconut oil.

Moreover, mange infections in cats can be eased with coconut oil. Mange is a skin condition caused by mites that presents themselves as red bumps or blisters which can be passed on to human beings.

In addition, coconut oil serves as a cleanser. Massage coconut oil on your cat’s ears to clean them, it gets rids of the wax on the ears. Surprisingly, most cat toothpaste contains coconut oil and it can be an alternative use in brushing your cat’s teeth.

Sunburns aren’t the best experiences in humans. Thought of sunburns in cats? Cats do experience sunburns especially on the ears, noses and can be fatal leading to skin cancer.

Apply coconut oil in sunburnt areas once they have cooled down to moisturize it. They minimize itching and peeling of the sunburnt skin as well.

Internal Importance of Coconut oil on Cats

Apart from external benefits, coconut oil ingestion has health benefits for your cat. It aids in food digestion in the body and helps in the absorption of vitamins and magnesium in the cat. Coconut oil increases your cat’s metabolism as well.

Have constipation issues in your cat? Try adding coconut oil to their diet which has a laxative effect on the cat. Toxic bacteria present in the cat can be eliminated by coconut oil and stomach inflammation.

Coconut oil calms hairball discomforts in cats and allergies being experienced by your cat. It is also essential in brain health. Besides using glucose for energy, the brain can use coconut oil to fuel its cells too.

To add to that, coconut oil is a good source of vitamin K, E, iron, and fatty acids. Vitamin K is used in the synthesis of other proteins in the cat’s body and helps in blood clotting in case of injuries.

Iron is used in the regulation of body temperature, energy production, intake of oxygen in the blood and boosts the immune system of cats. Iron deficiency in cats causes anemia. On the other hand, vitamin E protects the body cells of the cat from oxidative damage.

Coconut oil in Disease Management

Cats are affected by pancreatitis which is a condition in which the pancreas lacks or has little amounts of digestion enzymes. Coconut oil is good for cats with such conditions since it is easily digested and does not require digestion enzymes.

However, in large amounts, it worsens pancreatitis. When your cat suffers from pancreatitis, coconut oil assist in the absorption of fat-soluble food and regulates the blood sugar level in the cat.

Issues Caused by Surplus Coconut oil

In spite of the goodness that comes with this oil, it is health hazardous when not used sparingly. Coconut oil is rich in fat content causing excessive weight gain in cats when ingested in large amounts.

It brings about different digestive issues such as diarrhea, stomach discomfort depending on your cat.

Coconut oil Sources

Coconut oil is easily available in shops. Most coconut oil is refined to create varieties but organic virgin coconut oil is highly recommended for cats.

Keep the coconut oil at suitable temperatures to avoid solidification though it easily melts into liquid form at high temperatures.

Conclusion

Using coconut oil for your cat has a wide range of benefits both externally and internally. Knowing the right amounts to give it and the right condition in which it needs it is of the essence.

Keep in mind that a lot of coconut oil is harmful to your pet therefore, serves measurable amounts to your cat.

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