When cat parents search for the best oil for cats, coconut oil and fish oil often come up first. While both can support feline health, they work very differently in the body. Understanding those differences can help you choose the right oil for your cat’s specific needs.
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Carmina and Charisa of CocoTherapy, whose family has worked with coconut oil for generations and who specialize in therapeutic-grade oils for animals. They helped us better understand the benefits of each of these oils – and how to determine if one or both is a good fit for our cats.
When it comes to supporting your cat’s health, fats are not the enemy. They’re essential. But not all fats work the same way in a cat’s body.
How Coconut Oil Works as an Oil for Cats
Coconut oil is unique because it’s rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs). Unlike long-chain fats, MCTs are easy for cats to metabolize. They don’t require bile acids or pancreatic enzymes to break down. Instead, they travel directly to the liver, where they’re converted into ketones.
Ketones can cross the blood–brain barrier. This is why coconut oil and MCT oil are often discussed as a supportive oil for cats dealing with cognitive decline, neurological concerns, or low energy. Especially in senior cats. According to Carmina and Charisa, this metabolic pathway is one reason coconut oil is often well tolerated – even by cats that are sensitive to fats.
Coconut oil is also naturally stable, meaning it resists oxidation and rancidity. This makes it useful not only as an internal oil for cats, but also for topical use, including dry skin, cat acne, minor wounds, and irritated ears.
How Fish Oil Functions as an Oil for Cats
Fish oil is a polyunsaturated fat rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential and play an important role in inflammation regulation, joint health, skin support, and immune function.
However, fish oil is chemically unstable. Once exposed to air, heat, or light, it can oxidize quickly, becoming pro-inflammatory rather than helpful. Another key distinction is that fish oil does not cross the blood–brain barrier the way coconut oil does, which means it doesn’t provide the same neurological or cognitive support.
Coconut Oil and Fish Oil for Cats: It’s Not Either/Or
One of the most important takeaways from the interview is that coconut oil and fish oil don’t compete – they work together. Coconut oil acts as an excellent carrier oil, helping improve nutrient absorption, including omega-3s.
Used together, these oils for cats can support both cellular energy and inflammation balance, which is why integrative veterinarians like Dr. Karen Becker have discussed coconut oil as a foundational fat alongside fish oil.
Choosing the Best Oil for Your Cat
For most healthy cats, small amounts of high-quality, unrefined coconut oil can be used daily. For cats that are extremely fat-sensitive or managing conditions like pancreatitis, a purified MCT oil may be a better option. Fish oil remains valuable for omega-3 support – but quality, freshness, and proper storage are essential.
When it comes to choosing an oil for cats, it’s not about trends or fear – it’s about understanding feline biology and selecting oils that work with your cat’s natural metabolic needs.
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