Can Cats Eat Olives? Salt, Pits and Why Cats Love Them
Many cat owners have seen it: a cat sniffing an olive, then rolling, drooling and acting as if high. Olives are one of the odd foods that fascinate cats. They are not poisonous, but the salt and pits mean caution is needed.
Why do cats go crazy for olives?
Researchers have suggested that olives, especially those brined, contain compounds similar to those in catnip and silvervine, called isoprenoids, which trigger a play response in many cats. Not all cats react, just as not all react to catnip. See is catnip safe for cats.
Are olives safe?
Fresh, plain olives are not listed as toxic. But cured olives, the kind you buy in jars, are soaked in brine, and may contain a lot of sodium. Excess salt can cause thirst, vomiting and, in large amounts, salt poisoning. See is salt dangerous for cats. Cats have small bodies, so a single olive carries proportionally much more salt than it does for a person.
Pits
Olive pits are hard and can cause choking, tooth damage or intestinal blockage. Always remove the pit. Do not let cats chew on whole olives.
Stuffed and flavored olives
Many olives are stuffed with garlic, pimento, blue cheese, almonds, anchovies or jalapeño. Garlic is toxic to cats. See are onions and garlic toxic to cats. Seasoned and marinated olives often contain garlic, onion, herbs and chili. Avoid them all. Blue cheese and some cheeses can also upset stomachs. See can cats eat cheese.
Olive oil
A small amount of olive oil is not poisonous to cats, and some vets mention that it may soften stool in constipation, but it is high in fat and calories, and can cause diarrhea, vomiting and pancreatitis in susceptible cats. See pancreatitis in cats. Do not use oil as a home remedy without advice from your vet, and never pour it down a cat's throat, since inhalation can cause pneumonia.
How to offer olives, if you choose to
- Choose a plain olive, rinsed to remove brine.
- Remove the pit.
- Give a piece the size of a fingernail, no more than once in a while.
- Watch for vomiting or diarrhea.
- Keep jars out of reach.
Because the safe amount is so small, many owners skip olives and give a cat toy scented with catnip or silvervine instead.
Who should avoid olives
- Cats with kidney disease. Salt and fat may be unsuitable. See kidney diets for cats.
- Cats with heart disease. See congestive heart failure in cats.
- Cats with high blood pressure. See cat high blood pressure.
- Cats prone to pancreatitis or sensitive stomachs.
- Overweight cats and diabetics.
- Kittens.
Signs of salt toxicity
Excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, seizures and collapse after a salty meal. Call a vet right away. See cat emergency warning signs and seizures in cats.
Safer ways to enrich
- Give catnip or silvervine toys. See best cat toys by personality.
- Offer puzzle feeders. See puzzle feeders and slow feeders for cats.
- Choose meaty treats. See healthy cat treats.
Olive trees and plants
Olive trees are not generally listed as toxic, but fallen fruit can ferment. Keep cats away from windfall.
Other salty or human foods
See can cats eat ham, can cats eat bacon and can cats eat popcorn.
The bottom line
A lick of a rinsed olive will not poison a healthy cat, but olives are salty and rarely worth the risk. Skip stuffed and seasoned varieties.
Rinsing and portion thinking
Rinsing a brined olive under water removes some of the surface salt, but not the salt absorbed into the flesh, so it is not a cure for the problem. Even a rinsed olive remains salty, so the portion must be tiny. A sliver the size of a pea is enough for a cat to experience the scent and taste.
Using the scent safely
If your cat is among those that adore the smell, you can give them the experience without the risk. Rub a cotton ball or a toy lightly with the olive, let your cat sniff and play, then throw the cotton away. This offers the sensory reward without eating anything. Do not leave the cotton ball where a cat could swallow it.
Olives in the kitchen
Cats that love olives will investigate jars, bowls of antipasto and pizza toppings. Keep open jars covered, since brine spills attract licking. Clear party platters promptly, and watch for tooth picks and cocktail sticks, which can injure a cat's mouth and gut. Olive pits dropped on the floor are easily swallowed, so check carefully after preparing food.
When to see a vet
See a vet if your cat eats several olives, or shows signs of illness. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Are olives poisonous to cats?
No, but they are salty and should be rare.
Why do cats love olives?
They may contain compounds that smell like catnip.
Can cats eat olive oil?
A drop is not toxic, but it is not necessary.
Are stuffed olives safe?
No, fillings may contain garlic or other hazards.
Sources and further reading
Pet food rules and nutrient standards come from regulators and professional bodies. Start here when you want the primary source.
- ASPCA: people foods to avoid feeding your petsWhich common kitchen foods are unsafe for dogs and cats.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterToxic plants and foods lists, plus a 24-hour helpline.
- Pet Poison Helpline24-hour poison advice staffed by veterinary toxicologists.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.