Cats try to eat some bizarre things, like plastic packaging, Vaseline, and chapstick. The smell of these petroleum products seems to have an appealing effect on many felines. The odor may even mimic some of the pheromones that attract cats for mating.
A few kitties seem immune to these charms, but most at least give it a sniff and a lick. Why do cats eat Vaseline?
Cats eat Vaseline because they enjoy the scent of petroleum jelly because it mimics some of the pheromones that attract other cats for mating. The creamy texture is pleasing to them, and it helps them pass fur through their intestines, which is vital if you bathe with your tongue and swallow a lot of hair.
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Do Cats Like Vaseline
Many cats like Vaseline. Although some find it distasteful, the majority don’t seem to mind the flavor, and some even actively seek it out. This affinity is likely due to the smell.
Felines have a much more advanced olfactory system than humans. According to Paws Chicago, “A cat’s sense of smell is the primary way he identifies people and objects.
Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses; humans have just 5 million. Their sense of smell is 14 times better than that of humans.”
Cats have a Jacobson’s Organ, a unique scent receptor in their snout that helps them ‘see’ the world through the scents around them.
These keen senses mean they are bothered by some things we can’t even detect, and they enjoy the complexities of things we only get a hint of with our limited noses.
What may smell like nothing to you is a molecularly complex feast for your pet’s senses. Plus, the smooth texture may feel good in their mouth.
While you certainly shouldn’t let your cat eat out of the jar, it’s essential to understand that eating Vaseline is a pretty normal kitty behavior.
What Happens If A Cat Eats Vaseline
When your cat eats Vaseline, it passes through its mouth and esophagus and heads down to its stomach. The acids do not break it down, so the jelly passes unhindered into the intestines.
This lubricates the passages and helps allow food and hair to pass through as well. While there, it will mix with and pick up other things the cat has eaten.
Eventually, the cat will poop out the petroleum jelly. Fortunately for you, it probably won’t come out in a blob, the way it went in.
The spread-out Vaseline will mix with other fecal matter and may result in some oily-looking poops. Unfortunately, in some cases, it can also cause diarrhea or throw up.
It is crucial to keep an eye on any pet with diarrhea because they can become dehydrated. Make sure your cat has access to lots of fresh, clean water and pay attention to them.
If they have diarrhea for more than a few hours or other symptoms develop, you should see your vet or go to an emergency animal hospital right away.
As Vet Info points out, “Vaseline or petroleum jelly can be administered to cats with hairballs, as the Vaseline will facilitate the elimination of the hairball. Petroleum jelly is effective in most felines, and your cat should eliminate the hairball within 48 hours after administering the Vaseline. The petroleum jelly works as a lubricant on the digestive tract and will make it easier for the cat to cough up or vomit the furball.”
Is Vaseline Safe For Cats To Eat
Vaseline is generally considered safe for cats to eat. However, I am not a veterinary professional, and I recommend that you discuss this with your vet before letting your pet continue to eat petroleum jelly.
Some vets do not recommend it, and others suggest Vaseline as a remedy for hairballs.
The molecules in Vaseline are too large and cohesive to be absorbed in your cat’s stomach. Stomach acid won’t break it down, and anyway, there’s no nutritional value in it for your cat, so that it would be excreted regardless.
If you catch your pet chowing down on the container, throw it out. Bacteria from the cat’s mouth will sit on the surface of the Vaseline, contaminating it. In the future, keep it out of reach.
Please be careful how much Vaseline you allow your cat to ingest, and don’t do this too often. While petroleum jelly is generally safe in small quantities, it contains mineral oil.
This oil is a significant contributor to diarrhea, but it can also deplete your pet’s vitamin A deposits, leading to other health issues.
If your cat overeats Vaseline, you should take them in to see a veterinarian as they may need a supplement.
Is Vaseline Ok For Cats To Lick
It is ok for cats to lick small quantities of Vaseline. If your feline has chronic hairball issues, as long-haired breeds often do, then this might (literally) be what your doctor orders.
Since it’s so valuable for lubricating the intestinal tract, it helps the hairballs pass right through.
Like Vaseline, cat hair doesn’t break down in your pet’s stomach. Instead, it can collect, forming a blockage known as a bezoar.
A cat’s natural defense against this is vomiting up hairballs when they can’t pass through the body if the path is narrow or unlubricated.
Helpful Tips To Know About Why Cats Like To Eat Vaseline
Cats are often called mysterious creatures, but most of their behavior makes sense once you understand the root and expression. Cats eat Vaseline to self-medicate for hairballs and because they like the feel, smell, and taste.
Here are more helpful tips to know about why cats like to eat Vaseline.
- Like many animals, cats are evolved to hide indications of illness and injury. If your cat is hiding more than usual and seeking out your Vaseline, it could be a sign that they are not feeling well and want something out of their body that they can’t get rid of on their own.
- Pica is the urge or compulsion to eat non-food items. In cats, it often shows up as woolsucking, which is nursing or chewing on blankets and fuzzy surfaces. However, it can also include other things. When your cat compulsively and insistently tries to eat anything that isn’t cat food, you should have them assessed by a professional. A little vaseline is alright, but you should talk to an animal specialist if they are always trying to get at it.
- You can mix a small amount, roughly a quarter teaspoon of Vaseline in with your cat’s food or put it on top of their paws to help them pass a hairball if your vet recommends it.
Final Thoughts
Although dogs are better known for their sense of smell and habit of licking odd things, cats are not immune to these behaviors. If your cat licks a little Vaseline, it’s no big deal.
Vaseline is often used to help cats pass hairballs. However, if they try to ingest a large amount of this petroleum and mineral oil compound, they could be in for a rough day or worse.
Please do not let your cats eat Vaseline unless you have spoken to a vet and you’re carefully controlling the quantity and frequency. Even if your cat really likes Vaseline, and some do, it’s essential to know when to say no.
