Final Up to date on July 16, 2025 by Editorial Workers
Someday, a pal texted me in disbelief: “My cat stole an olive from my pizza. Now he’s rolling round like he’s on catnip!”
Sound acquainted? Whereas most of us are used to our cats shedding their furry minds over catnip, it turns on the market’s a sneaky snack hiding in your kitchen that is perhaps giving your feline the zoomies: olives. Sure, the identical olives you toss in your salad or martini would possibly simply be your cat’s new favourite toy—and it’s not as bizarre because it sounds.
Let’s claw into what’s actually happening right here.
The Actual Cause Your Cat Freaks Out Over Olives
Your cat’s wild response isn’t simply random. It’s chemistry.
Inexperienced olives (and olive leaves) include a compound referred to as oleuropein, which belongs to a gaggle of chemical compounds referred to as iridoids. If that sounds vaguely acquainted, it’s as a result of catnip’s magic compound—nepetalactone—can also be an iridoid.
These iridoids work like scent-based stimulants for cats. When your cat smells them, they work together with receptors of their nostril that ship “feel-good” alerts to the mind. The consequence? Pure feline euphoria. Similar to catnip, however with a Mediterranean twist.
In accordance with a 2023 research from the Journal of Feline Medication and Surgical procedure, iridoid-based reactions are widespread in cats which are genetically delicate to catnip, silvervine, and—shock—olive compounds.
What to Count on When Your Cat Meets an Olive
In case your cat will get their paws on an olive, you would possibly witness:
- Rubbing their face on it
- Rolling round like they’re auditioning for a yoga class
- Purring or chirping
- Pawing or batting it like a toy
- Carrying it round like valuable prey
It’s lovely. It’s hilarious. And it often lasts about 5 to fifteen minutes, similar to a typical catnip session.
However not each cat will reply. Similar to some cats are detached to catnip, this olive obsession is genetically primarily based. Round 60-70% of cats are delicate to those iridoids. So in case your cat shrugs and walks away, don’t take it personally.
Is It Secure for Cats to Eat Olives?
Let’s paws and speak security.
A nibble of olive right here and there may be typically secure—however moderation is essential. Right here’s what you’ll want to know:
Watch the salt: Canned or brined olives may be excessive in sodium, which isn’t nice for cats. Go for unsalted, plain olives for those who’re letting your cat play with one.
Ditch the pit: Olive pits could be a choking hazard and will include compounds which are mildly poisonous.
Olive oil? A little bit lick received’t damage, however an excessive amount of may cause abdomen upset.
Cat tip: Allow them to play, not feast. Deal with olives extra like a toy than a deal with.
Inexperienced or Black Olives—Does It Make a Distinction?
Brief reply? Sure.
Inexperienced olives have increased ranges of oleuropein, which makes them extra more likely to set off that euphoric, crazy habits.
Black olives are ripened variations, and among the iridoid content material is decreased throughout curing.
Nonetheless, each cat’s nostril is completely different. Yours would possibly go wild for black olives—or flip up their nostril at each.
Olives Aren’t the Solely Cat-Accredited Temper Boosters
In case your cat’s not into olives (or if you wish to change it up), strive introducing these different pure feline favorites:
Silvervine – a powerhouse plant from Asia with a robust impact on even catnip-resistant cats.
Valerian root – smells earthy and funky however drives some cats delightfully bonkers.
Tatarian honeysuckle – lesser-known however adored by many cats.
These “cat euphorics” are nice for feline enrichment—aka conserving your cat mentally and bodily engaged.
Visible Thought: Create an infographic displaying the variations between catnip, silvervine, and olives—with somewhat paw score system!
Purrfectly Regular or Simply Plain Bizarre?
In case your cat is popping olives into toys, it’d really feel unusual at first—however it’s really a very regular quirk backed by biology. Some cats simply have a nostril for Mediterranean magic.
And actually? Watching a cat chase an olive throughout the kitchen ground is perhaps the most effective leisure you’ll get all week.
Last Ideas: Is Your Cat an Olive Lover in Disguise?
Who knew one thing as extraordinary as an olive may unlock such joyful, catnip-like chaos? Whether or not your feline pal is rolling round in bliss or eyeing your pizza with suspicious enthusiasm, it’s clear that cats by no means cease stunning us.
Whereas olives won’t be a common feline favourite, for these cats that do react, it’s a enjoyable, innocent approach so as to add somewhat enrichment and laughter to your day. Simply keep in mind to maintain it secure—deal with olives as a toy, not a snack, and at all times supervise your cat’s curious explorations.
Now we’re curious…
Does your cat go bonkers for olives? Obtained a humorous olive-related story to share? What’s the quirkiest factor your cat has ever completed? We’d love to listen to your tales—drop them within the feedback
