3 Ways to Incorporate Coconut Oil in Your Cat’s Diet

3 Ways to Incorporate Coconut Oil in Your Cat’s Diet

The interest in natural options for promoting pet health has seen a significant rise, with coconut oil being among the most popular supplements involved in healthy habits. Known for its extensive benefits, coconut oil serves as an excellent supplement to a cat's diet, providing nutrients that may promote your cat’s skin and coat health, support the digestive system, and enhance the immune response. Promoting long-term health and happiness is the goal for most pet parents and cat coconut oil often fits into this plan.

Nutrient Absorption in All Cat Breeds

When ingested, coconut oil assists in the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients, supporting your special feline family members in maintaining optimal health. These nutrients help our cats achieve a soft, silky, shiny and healthy coat, and maintains the general health of all ages and breeds.

Promoting Healthy Gut Bacteria for a Balanced Microbiome

Coconut oil’s ability to promote innate resistance to pathogens can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria by fighting against the “bad guys” and promoting homeostasis. A healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut microbiome helps maintain a healthy intestinal tract, which then brings us to the next topic: how coconut oil affects bowel function.

Healthy Gut Balance and Bowel Function for Optimal Cat Health

A healthy gut promotes normal bowel function which then supports normal detoxification. Detoxification is the process in the body that supports normal cleansing of the liver from impurities. This process also supports the body from exposure to heavy metal or environmental toxins which is incredibly important to our pet’s health and overall wellness.

Medium-Chain Fatty Acids for Long-Term Health

Black kitten being held by a woman with brown hair. Cat’s shedding can be a sign of dietary needs in healthy fat sources

Medium-chain fatty acids from coconut oil, AKA MCFAs, include lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. These medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are recommended to support and promote long-term health. This may not be surprising considering what you’ve already learned about coconut oil, but the ability to enhance the physical and mental well-being of an animal is incredibly important. Unlike other fats that are stored in the body, MCFAs are rapidly broken down and absorbed, helping support energy production at a cellular level. This makes coconut oil particularly valuable for pets that can use some extra help in the energy department, including senior pets.

Adding Coconut Oil for Your Cat’s Coat Health

White & light brown spotted cat looking up inside of a house. A cat’s coat can benefit from Earth Buddy organic cbd oil.

The benefits of coconut oil for cats are not limited to internal health; they also extend to external advantages, such as promoting a glossy coat and healthy skin. Even if your cat has what appears to be a normal grooming routine, you could still notice matted fur, bald spots, cat hair throughout the home, and hair loss on their bodies. Like our dogs, cats shed, and knowing what hair loss means is crucial to your cat’s health. You may notice more loose hair if you have a long-haired cat shedding their heavier winter coat while removing dead hair during their daily routine. Regardless of your cat’s hair length, it’s important to supply nutrients for a healthy coat and skin. Understanding why cats shed and how to manage it is crucial for maintaining their health and keeping your home fur-free. If you can’t really tell if your kitty has good or poor coat and skin health, or experiencing too much hair loss, consulting with a veterinarian and a professional groomer could be helpful. The vet can also help you determine how much shedding is appropriate for your individual feline friend and what cats’ excessive shedding and excessive hair loss looks like, even in shorthaired cats.

Why Add Coconut Oil to Your Cat’s Diet

The unique composition of coconut oil, rich in medium-chain fatty acids, not only supports proper weight management and energy production but also promotes the body’s innate resistance to pathogens. Additional benefits include:

  • Helps support normal shedding of your cat’s coat to help minimize cat hairballs
  • Providing nutritional support for both outdoor cats and indoor cats

1.Adding Coconut Oil to Your Cat’s Food

Black with brown spotted cat laying on blanket. A cat’s shedding may be a sign that full spectrum CBD oil can help cats.

To offer your kitty coconut oil, add a small amount of coconut oil to their food. Start with a tiny amount, no more than 1/4 teaspoon per day. Gradually increase the amount based on your vet’s recommendation and your cat’s tolerance while keeping in mind that the goal is the lowest amount for the best possible result. As your cat’s body becomes accustomed to the coconut oil, you may want to consider slowly increasing the amount, especially if you’re not noticing a difference. However, it’s important to observe your cat to ensure the coconut oil is beneficial. If your cat handles the initial amount well, talk to your vet about how much more you can safely offer. Your vet will consider your cat’s health, weight, and dietary needs.

2. Make Homemade Kitty Treats with Cat Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can serve as a binding agent in recipes, which might include other cat-friendly ingredients like salmon, chicken, or catnip. These treats can particularly help with removing dead hair and managing normal shedding, making them ideal for cats experiencing seasonal shedding. You don't necessarily have to make your own cat treats to incorporate coconut oil into your cat's diet. Simply grab your cat's favorite treats and drizzle a little coconut oil on top of them.

3. Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Containing MCT Oil

Earth Buddy makes different cat supplements containing CBD oil both in oral and topical cbd form to help cat hot spots.

Your cat can soak in the advantages of MCT oil, a type of coconut oil, by adding a high-quality, full-spectrum hemp extract, like those at Earth Buddy, to their daily regimen. Full-spectrum CBD oil for Cats offers the following benefits:

  • Soothes skin-related issues associated with seasonal allergies
  • Helps maintain normal histamine levels
  • Provides nutrients for a healthy body
  • Supports the immune system and healthy inflammatory pathways
  • Supports normal cardiovascular, immune and neurological function

Finding a High-Quality Coconut Oil for Cats

  Introducing coconut oil into your cat's diet requires careful consideration and a few key steps to ensure it is done safely and effectively. The first step is to select the right type of coconut oil. Opting for organic, unrefined virgin coconut oil is crucial because this form is free from potentially harmful additives and chemicals that could damage the natural oils. The purity of virgin coconut oil means your cat will be consuming a product that is as close to its natural state as possible, which is essential for their delicate digestive systems.

Observe Your Cat After Introducing Coconut Oil

Once you've selected an appropriate coconut oil, the next step is to monitor your cat closely as they begin to consume it. Initial introduction should be gradual; start with a small amount and slowly increase it to the recommended dosage while observing your cat's reaction. Positive signs to look out for include improvements in your cat’s coat's condition, making it glossier and softer, as well as enhancements in digestion and overall energy levels.

Storing Coconut Oil to Stabilize the Natural Oils

Storing the coconut oil in a cool, dark place is also important to preserve its quality and health benefits, ensuring the oil remains in a condition that is beneficial for your cat. Oxidation could cause the product to become rancid.

Continue Cat Grooming Especially for Long Haired Breeds

Even with supplements and your cat’s grooming routine, they may need some help maintaining their hair coat and removing loose fur. Indoor cats tend to shed evenly, AKA lose hair, throughout the year since they are exposed to artificial lighting, whereas outdoor cats usually shed more seasonally. This natural cycle helps them regulate their body temperature and keep cats’ skin healthy, but it can lead to a lot of loose fur around the house. Long-haired breeds typically require more grooming since they shed more and their thick fur can become easily tangled.

 

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