Vegetables that are safe for cats
| Food | Verdict | Max per day (10 lb cat) | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥦 Broccoli | Safe | 13 × small steamed broccoli floret | Fiber and antioxidants |
| 🥕 Carrots | In moderation | 13 × teaspoon of cooked carrot | Not toxic to cats |
| 🌽 Corn | In moderation | 13 × 5 cooked corn kernels | Not toxic |
| 🥒 Cucumbers | Safe | 26 × thin slice of peeled cucumber | Hydrating (about 95% water) |
| 🫛 Green Beans | Safe | 13 × cooked green bean (cut up) | Very low in calories |
| 🥬 Lettuce | Safe | 26 × small piece of romaine lettuce | Hydrating and very low in calories |
| 🫛 Peas | Safe | 13 × 5 cooked green peas | Fiber and some plant protein |
| 🥔 Potatoes | In moderation | 6.5 × 1 teaspoon plain mashed potato | Plain cooked potato is not toxic |
| 🎃 Pumpkin | Safe | 13 × 1 teaspoon plain canned pumpkin | Soluble fiber can help both constipation and loose stool |
| 🥬 Spinach | In moderation | 26 × 1 teaspoon chopped cooked spinach | Vitamins A, C and K |
| 🍠 Sweet Potatoes | In moderation | 5 × 1 teaspoon mashed cooked sweet potato | Fiber and vitamin A precursors |
Vegetables cats should not eat
| Food | Verdict | Main danger |
|---|---|---|
| 🧄 Garlic | Toxic | Destroys red blood cells, leading to anemia |
| 🍄 Mushrooms | Caution | Wild mushrooms can cause liver failure, seizures or death |
| 🧅 Onions | Toxic | Damage red blood cells (Heinz body anemia) |
Tips for feeding vegetables to cats
- Wash vegetables, and remove tough stems and skins.
- Cut into bite-size pieces to prevent choking.
- Cooked, plain vegetables are easier to digest than raw; skip butter, oil, salt, onion and garlic.
- Introduce one new food at a time and stop if you see vomiting or diarrhea.
Cats are obligate carnivores and do not need plant foods. These are safe as occasional nibbles, not as part of the diet.
The 10% treat rule
Treats, including human food, should make up no more than 10% of a cat's daily calories. The "max per day" column assumes a typical 10 lb spayed or neutered adult cat with no other treats. Each food's guide has a calculator for your cat's exact weight.
Frequently asked questions
What vegetables can cats eat?
Broccoli, Carrots, Corn, Cucumbers, Green Beans, Lettuce, Peas, Potatoes and more are safe in small amounts. See the full list above.
What vegetables are bad for cats?
Garlic, Mushrooms, Onions. Garlic and Onions are toxic.
How much vegetable can a cat eat?
Keep all treats, including vegetables, under 10% of daily calories. For a 10 lb cat that is roughly 26 kcal a day.