Can Cats Eat Chicken Broth?

Cats can have a little chicken broth, but only if it is plain. It must have no onion, no garlic, and no chives or leeks. These plants can damage a cat’s red blood cells, and cats are more sensitive to them than dogs. Many store-bought broths include them, so check the label first.

Why does the label matter so much?

Chicken itself is not the problem. The risk comes from what else is in the pot.

The ASPCA lists onion, garlic and chives as foods to avoid. It says they can upset the stomach and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Anemia means the blood can’t carry enough oxygen. The ASPCA also says cats are more at risk than dogs.

The Pet Poison Helpline adds that shallots, leeks and green onions belong to the same plant family. Treat them the same way.

Is onion in broth really dangerous for cats?

It can be. The Merck Veterinary Manual says cats are the most sensitive pets to onion and garlic. It says cats have been affected after eating less than a teaspoon of cooked onion.

Merck also says the worst cases usually involve concentrated forms. These include dried flakes, powders and dry onion soup mixes. A bouillon cube or powdered broth mix can fit that picture, so be extra careful with those.

We can’t tell you how much broth with onion is “too much” for a cat. Sources don’t give an amount for broth, and it will depend on what is in it. If your cat had any, call a vet.

What signs should I watch for?

The Merck Veterinary Manual says signs often do not show up until a few days after your cat ate the food. They can include:

• Tiredness and weakness
• Not wanting to eat
• Fast breathing or a fast heartbeat
• Pale gums
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Dark urine
• Collapse

The Pet Poison Helpline also lists drooling, throwing up and diarrhea. Don’t wait for signs before you call.

What about salt in broth?

Salt is the second thing to check. The ASPCA says too much salt can cause more thirst and more peeing. In larger amounts it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures.

A few licks of broth is not likely to do that. But a salty broth is not a good habit. Choose a low-salt or no-salt-added one, or just skip it.

How can I give my cat broth safely?

If you want to share some, keep it simple:

1. Read the full ingredient list. Skip it if you see onion, garlic, chives, leeks, or shallots.
2. Pick a no-salt-added broth, or make your own from plain chicken with no seasoning.
3. Give only a small spoonful, once in a while.
4. Don’t use bouillon cubes, powders or soup mixes.

Treats and extras should stay small. The Merck Veterinary Manual says to avoid table scraps. It also says foods that aren’t complete and balanced should be for occasional treats only.

Does broth help my cat drink more?

Water is still the best choice. The Merck Veterinary Manual says to leave out several bowls of fresh, clean water and wash them daily. It says canned food helps cats get enough water, and a water fountain may help too.

If your cat is drinking much more than usual, or won’t eat or drink, call your vet. Broth won’t fix that.

What are safer treats?

Small pieces of plain cooked chicken are a better choice than broth, since you control everything in it. See our guide to whether cats can eat chicken. For a longer list of foods to keep away from your cat, read foods that are toxic to cats.