Food safety

Can Cats Drink Sesame Oil?

Safe in small amounts — Sesame Oil for cats.

Safe in small amounts

Why: Plain sesame oil is not toxic to cats, but it is pure fat. A drop or two is harmless; more can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea. There is no reason to offer oil as a drink — it is a flavouring, not a food for cats.

Safe serving: A drop or two at most, rarely — for example on food, not as a drink.

If your cat ate sesame oil: No action needed for a tiny amount. For a larger amount, watch for vomiting or diarrhoea.

Related: Sesame Seeds, Butter, Salmon

Why this verdict

Plain sesame oil is not toxic to cats, but it is pure fat. A drop or two is harmless; more can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea. There is no reason to offer oil as a drink — it is a flavouring, not a food for cats.

Safe serving

A drop or two at most, rarely — for example on food, not as a drink.

If your cat ate sesame oil

No action needed for a tiny amount. For a larger amount, watch for vomiting or diarrhoea.

Related foods

Sesame Seeds, Butter, Salmon

Check another food

Back to the Food-Safety Checker to check all 90 foods, or see the beginner feeding guide and the feeding estimator.

Before you use the result

Use the result as a starting point for observation and planning. Cats vary by age, body condition, temperament, medical history, and household setup.

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and the Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat. Chocolate toxicity figures are approximate values from the Merck Veterinary Manual. If your cat ate something on the toxic list, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.