Can Cats Eat Green Beans?

Yes, most cats can eat a few plain, cooked green beans. The ASPCA lists green beans as a low-fat, low-calorie snack for pets. But cats are meat eaters, so green beans are just a small treat. Keep them plain, with no salt, butter, onion, or garlic.

Why green beans are okay for cats

The ASPCA includes them in its list of snacks that pets can share with you, because they are low in fat and calories.

That list is written for pets in general, not for cats only. So think of green beans as a “safe extra,” not as something your cat needs.

Cats are different from people and dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual explains that cats are carnivores, which means they eat mainly meat. Cornell’s Feline Health Center says cats are “obligate carnivores.” That means they need nutrients that come only from animal foods. A green bean will not give your cat those nutrients.

How to serve green beans to your cat

• Cook them plain. The ASPCA says to remove seasonings from cooked vegetables before sharing them with a pet.
• Skip the butter, salt, and sauces. Too much salt can make pets thirsty, make them vomit, and in bad cases cause seizures, according to the ASPCA.
• Keep onion and garlic away. The Merck Veterinary Manual says cats are the most sensitive pets to onion and garlic, whether raw, cooked, or dried.
• Cut them into small pieces. This is common sense for a small animal and is not a rule from our sources.

How many green beans can a cat have?

The sources we read do not give an amount of green beans for cats. Here is what they do say about treats:

• Cornell says treats should not be more than 10 to 15 percent of a cat’s daily calories.
• The ASPCA says snacks for pets should be no more than 5 percent.

The two numbers are different, so the smaller one is the safer choice. A few small pieces now and then fits well within both. Cornell also notes that being overweight is the most common food-related problem in cats. Ask your vet if your cat has a health problem, such as kidney disease, before you add new foods.

Other kinds of green beans

Can cats eat canned green beans?

Only with care. We did not find a source that speaks about canned green beans for cats. The ASPCA does warn that too much salt is harmful. Read the label, pick plain beans with no added salt or seasoning. Fresh or frozen beans that you cook plain are an easier choice.

Can cats eat raw green beans?

We did not find a source that says whether raw green beans are better or worse for cats. The ASPCA talks about cooked vegetables with the seasonings removed. Cooked and plain is the safest way to go.

Can cats eat green bean casserole?

No, it’s not a good idea. Green bean casserole is often made with onions, salt, and creamy sauce. The Merck Veterinary Manual says onion and garlic can damage a cat’s red blood cells, and the ASPCA warns about salt. Offer a plain bean instead. If your cat ate some casserole, call your vet.

What if my cat ate too many green beans?

Your cat may get an upset stomach, such as vomiting or loose stool, if it eats a lot of a new food. Our sources do not describe green bean problems in cats, so call your vet if your cat seems unwell. Call right away if the beans had onion, garlic, or a lot of salt.

Other treats to try

Complete cat food should make up your cat’s meals. The Merck Veterinary Manual says to avoid table scraps because human food does not have everything cats need, like taurine. If you want a treat, see whether cats can eat eggs, or read about foods that are toxic to cats so you know what to keep away from your cat.