Can Cats Eat Broccoli?

Yes, cats can eat broccoli. The ASPCA lists plain broccoli florets as a safe, low-calorie snack for cats. Keep the pieces small and leave off all seasonings. Cats need meat to stay healthy, so broccoli should only be a small extra bite, never a meal.

Is broccoli safe for cats?

Yes. The ASPCA names broccoli florets as a healthy snack idea for cats, and lists broccoli among the vegetables pets can share. It describes vegetables as low in fat and calories. That makes broccoli a fair choice for a cat that is gaining weight and needs lower-calorie treats.

Still, broccoli is not something your cat needs. Cornell’s Feline Health Center explains that cats are obligate carnivores. That means they need nutrients that are found only in animal foods. A bite of broccoli is a snack, not nutrition your cat has to have.

How do I serve broccoli to my cat?

The ASPCA gives these tips for sharing vegetables with pets:

• Cut it small. Small, bite-size pieces help prevent choking.
• Raw or cooked. Either works. If you cook it, keep it plain.
• No seasonings. Skip salt, oil, butter, and spices.
• Start with a taste. Try one small piece first and watch how your cat does. Any new food can upset a cat’s stomach.

Many cats just aren’t interested in vegetables. That’s normal. Don’t push it.

Which broccoli dishes are not safe?

The broccoli itself isn’t the problem. What it’s cooked with can be. Broccoli from your dinner plate often has garlic, onion, butter, or salt on it.

The ASPCA warns that onions, garlic, and chives can irritate the stomach and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia (a low red blood cell count). It says cats are more at risk than dogs. Broccoli in a stir-fry, casserole, or soup may include these, so give your cat a plain piece before you season your own food.

The ASPCA also says too much salt can make pets very thirsty and make them pee more. In some cases it can upset the balance of minerals in the blood. Salty broccoli dishes are another reason to keep it plain.

How much broccoli can a cat have?

The sources we read don’t give an exact amount of broccoli for cats, so we won’t make one up. A few small florets at a time is a sensible start. The ASPCA suggests keeping vegetable snacks to no more than about 5 percent of a pet’s daily calories. Cornell says treats in general shouldn’t go over 10 to 15 percent of a cat’s daily calories. Using the lower number is the safer choice.

If your cat has a health condition or eats a special diet, ask your vet before adding any new food.

Other kinds of broccoli

Raw broccoli

Raw broccoli is okay, according to the ASPCA’s advice on vegetables. Chop it into small pieces so your cat can’t choke.

Cooked broccoli

Cooked broccoli is fine when it is plain. Steaming or boiling without anything added is best.

Broccoli with sauce, cheese, or seasoning

Skip it. Sauces and seasonings can add salt, onion, or garlic. Cornell also notes that many cats are lactose intolerant, so dairy can upset their stomachs.

Other snacks to try

The ASPCA also suggests peas and plain frozen corn as low-calorie snacks for cats. For protein-rich treats, see our guides to whether cats can eat eggs or tuna. For the full list of dangers, see our guide to foods that are toxic to cats.