I can find nothing but positives about adding coconut oil to any cat's diet. You should see The Kitten's coat, already. It has an incredible luster. She's had it more often than the other cats, because she loves it. She's the one with nutrient absorption problems, which have been greatly helped with the ProViable dc (probiotic) but she still had such a scrawny look about her.
Tonight it occurred to me that while fat is good for cats (and coconut oil is pure fat, but medium-length-chain fatty acids and is digested differently <Immediately as opposed to stored> from the other saturated (bad) fats), it is adding calories to their daily diet, and I have two who are prone to weight gain, so I will have to watch that.
But I swear those two are more energetic now, since starting the coconut oil, too, so it may balance out. I've read in several places that coconut oil actually promotes weight loss in those who need it.
And of course there's The Boy, the one who suffers from hair ball sicknesses every four or five weeks, in spite of daily brushing and every other day laxatone. Seeing that poop this morning bristling with fur made me so happy, he's passing the fur instead of it building up in his insides!
Things I have read: coconut oil helps regulate blood sugar, has anti inflammatory properties (good for arthritis!) helps regulate thyroid, improves nutrient absorption, boosts the immune system (including fighting viral diseases such as herpes), prevents hairballs, increases metabolism, anti-fungal....there is lots more but it is late and I am tired.
Note: these benefits are from pure virgin organic, cold pressed, non-hydrogenated coconut oil. I am normally very cynical of anything claiming so many wondrous benefits, but I've been reading up for a long time on it, and feel very hopeful.