Why cats like olives

Living close to humans, cats get all the necessary elements and minerals with their food. But innate habits are hard to fool, so animals are forced to experiment with food.

😺Why cats like olives and other strange "non-cat" foods

Sometimes cats like to eat foods that meat-eating predators shouldn't be interested in.

Whether or not to sound the alarm if a cat asks for something that's not her usual food, we'll discuss now.

Some owners say that as soon as they open a can of olives, the cat runs and meows, begging for at least a bite.

The explanation is simple: olives contain a substance that affects cats about the same as valerian. Therefore, the rare cat will refuse to take a bite of an olive. Or at least just chase it around the apartment.

It is noteworthy that in countries where olive trees grow, cats rub their bark and even chew on it. This is again reminiscent of the effects of valerian.

If olive oil is dripped on the floor, cats can roll around in that spot.

Veterinarians allow you to give a couple of olives without the bone to the cat. It should not be abused because it is a canned product that contains salt, preservatives and vinegar. If the pet is constantly asking for olives, you can add a little olive oil to the food.

Cats love to crunch on fresh cucumbers. Sometimes cats visit beds with young cucumbers, zucchini, to chew the fruit. Few cats eat fresh tomatoes.

This means it's time to add special vitamins and minerals to the cat's diet.

Cucumbers and zucchini won't do any harm. But you should not give raw tomatoes, a large amount can cause poisoning.

Strangely, some cats prefer to eat a dried date once in a while. You can give a very small piece. However, do not forget that sweets are very detrimental to the cat's liver and cardiovascular system.

Plaster or concrete are dangerous ingredients for the pet. Rarely, but occasionally, a pet will show an unhealthy interest in these materials. The cat may lick the walls, scratch the whitewash, and then lick bits off the floor. Most likely he is deficient in iron.

You need to show your pet to the vet to rule out anemia. Of course, you need to review the diet. The pet may eat plaster even when stressed.

The cat eats olives – why and is it not harmful?

Some tailed animals have interesting culinary preferences. Some eat raspberries, others gulp down coffee, and still others don't mind tasting olives. The site "MURKOTIKI" analyzed why this happens and whether a cat can eat olives.

First, let's remember what an olive is. It is a fruit of the olive tree, which has in its composition many useful substances: vitamins B, folic acid, vitamins E and K, sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, selenium, oleic acid. Therefore, the fruit itself is very useful.

At the same time, as veterinarians explain, cats do not like olives because of their usefulness, especially since cats do not assimilate almost anything from the vegetable product. The secret is in the special composition, or rather in the presence of isoprenoids, the chemical structure of which is similar to pheromones. Their scent is what attracts cats. For some cats it acts like catnip: they not only want to eat it, but also roll on the floor, smelling their favorite scent.

Cats also love olive tree bark, which exudes a distinctive smell. They chew on it and may roll around on the ground after this action, catching a buzz. However, not every animal is susceptible to this effect.

The composition in which olives are pickled is very harmful: it includes salt, vinegar and various preservatives. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether it is good for the cat to eat pickled olives is "no". Harmless they would be in the raw form. In addition, the most harmful component – monosodium glutamate – is often added to the marinade.

If the pet does not give you peace of mind and strongly asks to give him this treat, once in a while you can give in, if the composition does not contain vinegar and glutamate. Then he is happy to chase the olive around the floor, getting double pleasure – from the food and from the game. Only 1-2 olives can be given at a time. Make sure that fresh water is available: after a salted olive the cat will be thirsty.

Can I give my pet canned olives?

Raw olives are safe and healthy. But, owner acquires jar of of canned olives and, while savouring product himself and shares it with the cat.

Canned fruit is not toxic, your pet's health may suffer because of what it contains:

• Salt. Excess salt will cause retention of liquid retentionswelling and increased stress on the kidneys.
• Preservatives. Acetic Acetic Acid with the addition of other ingredients for long term storage. Vinegar irritates the mucosa of the stomach, provoking disruption of of the digestive tract.
• Flavorings. May cause the development of allergies.

Veterinarians will allow consumption of 1-2 canned olives if the cat shows persistent interest for the product. But not often, so as not to harm his health.

Important: Olives are often sold stuffed. But lemon, almonds, fish paste (anchovies) with additional preservatives and thickeners are unnatural food for a cat. It is safer to give dark unstuffed ones.

The benefits and harms of olives for cats

Fresh olives are good for the cat because of a number of components:

Fresh fruit has plenty of substances, while canned ones have amount is reduced by half. More often human purchase canned fruits, so benefit from them for the cat is small, and preservatives and salt can be harmful.

And it is important to observe the cat's behavior after giving him olives. Some cats behave strangely: they roll on the floor, rub their muzzle on the place where they ate the olive, and some individuals begin to show aggression and even lunge at the owner.

The reason for the change in behavior is the isoprenoids, which have a short-term hallucinogenic effect. If a cat has a similar reaction, then olives should not be given to him.

Most cats are partial to olives. But this food is unnatural for the animal and in nature cats very rarely eat the fruit of the olive tree. You should be cautious about giving your pet such food, or better yet, refuse it altogether. As an encouragement or a treat, it is better to give the cat a piece of meat, fish or special treats from the pet store.

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Veterinarian and expert of our site Don State Agrarian Institute, (1978) graduate of DSKhI, at the moment it is already a university. Did not find an answer to your question? Feel free to ask on the topic of the article HERE in the comments answer allWell, suggestions and suggestions you can write here: our authors, contacts

The love of olives is worth highlighting separately

Indeed, many owners have noticed that their cats rushed to beg for olives, as soon as you open the jar. And pets don't confuse a can of canned olives with cat food at all. When the cat gets an olive, it usually plays with it, runs it over the floor, licks the juice and can eat it completely.

It turns out that in European countries like Italy and Greece, local cats can even eat the bark off olive trees. They rub against the trunk of the tree in a state that resembles the effects of valerian on cats.

Analyzing the comments of numerous cat holders, we can conclude that the animals' reaction to olives is similar to that of valerian. "The cat just goes crazy", "yells like mad", "just like a drug addict", "will sell the plan of his native plant for olives" – these and similar comments abound in the forums of cat lovers. Some cats do behave strangelywhen they get an olive in their paws. The cat starts to roll on the floor, pokes its nose where it ate the "goody", the reaction can be unpredictable. Sometimes the cat even lunges at the owner.

Fortunately, such a spectacle does not last long. The animal returns to normal. Sometimes a cat can calmly eat a piece of olive or olive from the human hand without any visible consequences, or just play as with a ball, chasing it around the room.

The feline family often reacts not only to canned olives, but to any products that contain olive oil. Sometimes they persistently begin to lick their owners' hands if the owners have smeared them with olive cream.

Let's try to find out what cats find so interesting in canned olives.

Animals living in the wild eat meat. This is their main diet. A cat is a carnivore and needs protein to live. Small rodents, birds, fish, butterflies and even frogs make up their menu. In addition to protein, the body needs vitamins, which the cat gets from eating grass and leaves.

At home, humans have to take care of the cat's nutrition. Today there is no problem with a balanced cat food. Manufacturers of various firms make food in such a way that it contains all the vitamins necessary for the animal's body. But the natural instinct of the cat is constantly looking for new flavors. More than one animal has suffered from curiosity.

Researchers have found that sour taste attracts cats.. That is why many of them like canned olives so much. Cats also react acutely to various smells. And in the skin of this product contains essential oils that may affect a particular animal as a hallucinogen. This issue is not fully understood, because not all cats react equally to olives and olive oil. And not even everyone eats it. Although pet lovers are willing to feed them whole jars of olives. Would it do the cats any good?

Olives contain many amino acids that are good for humans, reducing the level of "bad" cholesterol. They are also rich in calcium, magnesium and iodine. They are an essential ingredient in a huge number of culinary recipes. But, only for humans! After all, even an adult is not recommended to eat more than ten olives a day. Especially the ones that are mostly offered to us by sales representatives.

One olive contains a lot of proteins and proteins, fatty acids, and, in fact, vitamins: A, C, E… The last two vitamins eliminate free radicals from the cat's body. In addition, there are micronutrients in olives such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, potassium… It is known that olives and oil from them are very useful for people as well. By the way, olive oil is unique because it does not oxidize when heated, that is, it does not form carcinogenic substances.

What is the attraction of olives to the whiskers

Many cat owners may surprise you with stories about the unusual food preferences of their pets. Some pets adore fresh cucumbers and don't mind picking them themselves from the patch (read how to wean cats from eating cucumbers from the patch). Others are always near the kitchen table when the cat lays open a tin of tinned peas, corn or mushrooms. There are lovers of raw potatoes, plums and bananas among moustachioed shags.

Adoration of olives deserves special attention. Many owners of cats rush "with all their paws" on hearing the click of an opened jar. And when they get a fruit, they start to play with it, chase it on the floor, lick it, and sometimes the "toy" is eaten with appetite.

An interesting fact has been recorded by felinologists: cats living in Greece and Italy often nibble on the bark of an olive tree. They begin to rub against the trunk and behave in the same way as under the influence of valerian.

Yes, and many cat owners confirm that their pets react to olives as they do to valerian:

1. "Starts screaming like crazy", "ready for one olive for anything", "smelling olives, even shakes" – such phrases can be read on various forums of cat lovers.
2. Some of purrs play with the fruit, eat it, and then roll on the place where this action took place.
3. And especially characteristic pets are ready to rush into battle for their favorite treat! Including with their beloved owner.

But such "strange" behavior quickly passes, and the kitty returns to normal. In addition, not all pets show such a violent reaction to olives.

What attracts them. In the wild, cats, like other predatory animals, eat mostly meat. It is the basis of their diet, containing an essential component – animal protein. Cats hunt birds, fish, rodents, frogs and even insects. They get some vitamin elements from grass and leaves.

Can cats be treated with olives?

Few owners are able to resist when their pet begins to ask for another tasty treat. But will such food benefit the cat's body? For humans, fruit:

Even an adult should not eat more than 10 pieces per day. Especially if it is a canned product.

Cats also need proteins, proteins, fatty acids and vitamins, which are rich in olives, as well as phosphorus, potassium, iron and other trace elements. But they can be given olives in even smaller quantities than people. All the necessary vitamins and minerals they should get from other approved products or prepared foods.

Olive oil

Substances similar to catnip components are the reason why the cat likes olives. Because of this, the animal may show interest in olive objects. Oil arouses considerably less curiosity. But it is considered the safest component of the diet. Olive oil contains a large amount of it:

The product is believed to have a positive effect on the metabolism. The maximum amount of useful substances is contained in the oil of the first, cold-pressed. In order to preserve them it is necessary to avoid heat treatment. Olive oil retains substances of interest to cats. A small amount of product added to wet food will not harm the animal. But it is necessary to watch the dosage. A cat should be given no more than a teaspoon of olive oil per day. An abundance of fats negatively affects the liver, other organs.

Do not be frightened when you see how the pet gets excited when you open a jar of olives. A cat's sense of smell is stronger than a human's. Olives, regardless of the color and method of processing, contain substances that can bring the mousselove to ecstasy. Similar components are present in catnip. Olives are not poisonous, but you should not give whole fruits to pets because of the high salt content. Oil is safer, but also requires dosage control.

How does your cat or cat react to olives? Write in the comments.

Taste of the oil.

Cats generally don't take well to plant-based foods. And in their bodies, they do not digest it much. But, pickling olives release a lot of oil, which in some ways resembles animal fat. That's why cats prefer pickled fruit, not fresh. And even more often, cats prefer flavored brine. Sometimes owners find their pets in the trash litter box licking the can. Just this can be the most dangerous. First, as we will learn below, it is the brine that is not recommended for cats, and second, the sharp edges of the jar and its shape can be dangerous for the pet.

Another theory says that the aroma of essential olive oil (or rather the isoprenoids in its composition) is very similar to the way cat hormones smell. In fact, the effect on the animal's sense of smell is the same as that of valerian. By the way, that is why cats in the Mediterranean, in whose yards there are real olive trees, love to gnaw the bark and rub against the trunks and branches. In short, they are not satisfied with fruit alone. And often after such actions they go into "loving ecstasy": purring, climbing on hands, rolling on the ground.

But the most pronounced effect will be if they smell natural essential oil. Although our usual food oil can also excite them. Try putting a small drop on the tip of a towel, and you may notice your cat rubbing himself against it.

Is it useful to give olives to a cat?

Olives themselves are a useful product, they contain many vitamins of groups B, E and A, fatty acids and trace elements (iodine, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, etc.) Therefore, the use of raw olives useful to all, both animals and people. Unless the body has an individual intolerance.

But, pickling "kills" useful substances and reduces their amount almost three times. In addition, the marinade itself contains three very dangerous products for cats: salt, vinegar and monosodium glutamate (flavor enhancer of olives). It also contains preservatives. Why is it harmful? Salt retains fluid in the body, vinegar is highly irritating to the mucous membranes and can even lead to a pronounced reaction such as an allergic reaction. Well, sodium glutamate and preservatives in general substances are not useful for all living things, even for microorganisms, which they destroy in cans. Therefore, the most harmful is the brine. Because it is in it the concentration of these components is the greatest.

Another important point is the difference between olives and olives. Why do we have two names? Probably only because it was formed so historically. Contrary to popular belief and the two different names in the Russian version, these fruits give one tree. The color only indicates the degree of their ripeness. The green ones are unripe, and the black ones are ripe. Olives are from the word "butter," which is made from the ripe fruits. That's why the dark ones are called "olives." And in other languages they are simply called green and black olives. But, preserving ripe olives is a troublesome business, because these ripe fruits are soft and do not hold their shape. So manufacturers simply add alkalis, oxygen, iron gluconate and preservatives to green fruits. We think we're eating healthier ripe fruit, but in fact, it's just painted green fruit. So, understandably, for a cat, too, black colored fruit will be even more harmful than their green brethren.

Why cats like olives

A cat knows exactly what foods it needs when it is deficient in nutrients.

– A group of vitamins A, E, C;
– fatty acids;
– many micronutrients, including potassium and magnesium.

But there is a main reason why cats love olives. Olives contain certain substances (isoprenoids), which in their effect resemble the effect of valerian.

In those countries where olive trees grow, you can see cats rubbing against them, gnawing the bark, rolling on the ground in the shade of the tree, falling into a state as if they ate the roots of valerian or smelled its tincture.

Cats are also interested in natural cold-pressed olive oil. Some cats roll around on the spot where they spilled the olive oil.

It happens that the cat starts sniffing and licking the hands of the owner who has put olive oil cream on her hands.

In addition, oval olives are fun to roll around on the floor. Some cats first chase the olive "ball" across the floor, as if hunting for it, and then eat the "prey" with a satisfied purr.

Can I give cats canned olives?

Veterinarians say that you can give olives to cats, but only a little. Enough 1-2 pieces per week.

After all, our stores do not sell fresh olives, and canned. Canned uses salt and vinegar and preservatives, which have a negative effect on the digestive system and kidneys of the animal.

Yes, and vegetables serve only as a supplement to the diet, and meat products form the basis.

If your cat loves olives and asks for them desperately, adding a little olive oil to her food is a good idea.

How can canned olives harm a pet?

Raw olives are safe and even good for cats. But, they are not available in raw form everywhere, and often, the owner buys them canned. Can't resist a pet's pitying gaze, the person shares them with the cat.

Canned olives are not toxic, but they are harmful to the health of the pet for other reasons:

• Salt. An overabundance of salt can retain fluid in the pet's body, thereby creating swelling and strain on the kidneys.
• Preservatives. They are usually added to keep the product as long as possible. Acetic acid is used for this purpose. It has been proven to irritate the mucosa of the pet's stomach. This can lead to impaired digestive system functions.
• Flavorings. Can cause allergies in the cat.

Doctors allow you to give your cat 1-2 pieces of canned olives if the cat is persistently interested. Do not spoil the cat with them too often, it may harm his well-being.

Important: Stuffed olives have become a common snack for people, but the abundance of preservatives and unfamiliar food for a cat can harm him. Therefore, if you decide to treat your pet with a delicacy, use unstuffed olives.

Useful and harmful properties of olives

Non-canned olives are rich in useful components in the form of antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E, calcium, sodium, copper, iron, etc.

In canned olives the amount of useful substances is reduced by half. The benefit for the cat from such food is almost no, the harm it can cause much more.

Observe the cat's behavior after eating olives. Some behave affectionately, rolling on the floor and being very friendly, whereas others become aggressive.

Changes in behavior are due to the presence of isoprenoids in the fruit, which have hallucinogenic properties. If you notice this manifestation, exclude olives from the cat's diet altogether.

A large number of cats show interest in these fruits, but you must remember that this food is not typical for their diet. In nature, cats do not eat fruit from olive trees. It is for these reasons, treat such treats with caution, or better yet, refuse them altogether. If you want to encourage your pet, it is better to treat it to meat or fish.