Can cats eat olives? Yes, a tiny piece
Quick answer: Yes, in moderation — cats can have olives in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Quick verdict
In moderation
Recommended amount
A tiny piece of plain, unsalted olive on rare occasions; avoid brined or stuffed olives.
Why
A little plain, pitted olive will not harm most cats but offers no real benefit.
Make treat time better
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Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
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Bugalugs Scottish Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats 500ml
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LickiMat Felix & Casper Slow Feeder Mats for Cats
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Can cats eat olives, and why?
A little plain, pitted olive will not harm most cats but offers no real benefit.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
How to feed olives to cats
- •How much: A tiny piece of plain, unsalted olive on rare occasions; avoid brined or stuffed olives.
- •How often: An occasional treat, not a daily food. Any treat should be occasional and tiny — no more than about 10% of daily calories — and never replace a balanced cat food.
- •Young pets: Kittens have sensitive digestion and high growth needs, so introduce new foods cautiously and ask your vet.
- •Preparation: Always wash fresh produce, remove any pips, stones, seeds, peel or tough skin where relevant, and serve it plain — never with salt, sugar, oil, butter or seasoning.
More foods cats might eat
More for cats
Handy kit for feeding cats well:
LickiMat Classics Food Enrichment Lick Mat for Cats & Dogs
Rubber lick mats that slow feeding, encourage calm, and keep cats and dogs happily entertained — freezer and microwave safe.
£10.99
Sensor Cat Water Fountain 2.5L
A 2.5L cat fountain that flows when your cat approaches, keeping water fresh and tempting. A clear level window shows when to refill, and the generous tank meets one cat's needs for several days.
From£43.99
Automatic Cat Water Fountain with Filter
A USB-powered water fountain with a near-silent pump and a gentle waterfall spout that encourages cats to drink more. The clear tank lets you check the level at a glance, and the built-in filter keeps water fresh and clean.
£24.99
Automatic Cat Water Fountain
A clear automatic pet water fountain with a tap-style spout that circulates fresh, filtered water to encourage your cat to drink. The near-silent pump and large transparent tank let you check water levels at a glance.
£44.99
Feeding & nutrition guides
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat olives?
In moderation. A little plain, pitted olive will not harm most cats but offers no real benefit.
How much olives can a cat have?
A tiny piece of plain, unsalted olive on rare occasions; avoid brined or stuffed olives.
Can cats eat olives every day?
It’s best as an occasional treat rather than a daily food. Any treat should be occasional and tiny — no more than about 10% of daily calories — and never replace a balanced cat food.
Can kittens eat olives?
Kittens have sensitive digestion and high growth needs, so introduce new foods cautiously and ask your vet.
Free printable: safe & toxic foods for cats
olives is just one food — get the full one-page checklist of what’s safe, fine in moderation, or dangerous for cats. Vet-sourced, yours to print and keep.
Check olives for another pet
Sources
Our verdict on whether cats can eat olives draws on established UK and US veterinary and welfare organisations. Individual pets, quantities and preparation vary — always confirm with your own vet.