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The quick answer: Yes, cats can eat coconut in moderation, but it shouldn’t be a regular part of their diet.
Coconut is very high in fat which can lead to health problems, such as pancreatitis or fatty liver disease, for cats that consume it regularly. A healthy diet for a cat consists mainly of proteins from meat or fish. To prevent potential health problems, it’s best to keep your cat’s consumption of coconut products (oil, water, milk, or “meat” from a coconut) to a minimum.
Coconut fruit/meat
A small amount of shredded coconut here and there may interest your cat, and it is safe to share a little bit with them.
What about coconut milk and water?
It’s a myth that cats should drink dairy milk; fortunately coconut milk or coconut water can be a good substitute for cats that want to try a beverage besides water. You can add small amounts of coconut milk or coconut water to your cat’s water or wet cat food to make it creamier.
Can cats eat coconut oil?
Though coconut oil is not toxic to cats, too much can cause tummy troubles because your cat’s digestive system was not meant to process large amounts of coconut oil. However, if your cat is intrigued by coconut oil, it is safe to add a few drops to their food or bake homemade cat treats with coconut oil.
Hazards of sharing coconut with cats
Because of the high fat content in coconut, consuming too much can cause your cat digestive issues. Some cats may have more adverse reactions than others. If your cat experiences vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, fatigue, or difficulty breathing after consuming coconut, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
