Can Cats Eat Broccoli?

Yes — plain broccoli is generally safe for cats in small amounts. It is not a necessary part of a cat's diet, and too much can cause stomach upset, gas, or choking if pieces are too large.

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Monitor at Home

Broccoli is usually safe for cats in tiny, plain portions

Broccoli is not considered toxic to cats, and plain broccoli can be offered as an occasional treat. However, cats are obligate carnivores, so broccoli should stay a very small part of the diet, and overeating may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or gas.

How urgent is this?

Emergency

Go to the ER now

  • ● Choking, gagging, repeated retching, or trouble breathing after eating a broccoli stalk or large piece
  • ● Collapse, severe lethargy, or repeated vomiting that will not stop
  • ● Your cat ate broccoli prepared with garlic, onion, xylitol, or other toxic ingredients
Urgent

See a vet within 24 hours

  • ● Vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than several hours or happens repeatedly
  • ● Marked abdominal discomfort, bloating, or your cat will not eat after eating broccoli
  • ● Your cat has a medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or a history of pancreatitis and now has digestive signs
  • ● You are unsure whether the broccoli had butter, oils, seasoning, sauces, or other harmful ingredients
Monitor

Watch at home, call if it worsens

  • ● Your cat ate a small amount of plain raw or steamed broccoli and is acting normal
  • ● Mild gas or one soft stool after a tiny amount
  • ● Your cat nibbled a floret but has no vomiting, diarrhea, or choking

How to Safely Feed Broccoli to Your Cat

If your cat likes broccoli, offer only a very small amount of plain broccoli as an occasional treat—not a meal replacement.

  • Serve plain only—no garlic, onion, salt, butter, oil, sauces, or seasoning
  • Cut into tiny, bite-sized pieces to reduce choking risk, especially with stems
  • Steamed broccoli is usually easier to chew and digest than large raw pieces
  • Start with one or two very small pieces and stop if your cat gets vomiting, diarrhea, or gas
  • Keep all treats, including broccoli, within about 10% of your cat's daily calories
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Common Questions

Is broccoli toxic to cats?
Plain broccoli is generally considered non-toxic to cats. The main concerns are gastrointestinal upset if too much is eaten, choking from large pieces, and added ingredients like garlic or onion that are toxic to cats.
Can cats eat raw broccoli or cooked broccoli?
Cats can have either plain raw or plain cooked broccoli in tiny amounts, but lightly steamed broccoli is often easier to chew and digest. Avoid butter, oils, salt, sauces, and any seasoning.
How much broccoli can a cat eat?
Only a very small amount should be offered—just a bite or two of plain broccoli as an occasional treat. Because cats are obligate carnivores, treats should stay limited and should not displace a complete and balanced cat food.
Can broccoli make cats sick?
Yes, even though it is not usually toxic, too much broccoli can cause stomach upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. Large fibrous pieces may also be a choking hazard or be harder for some cats to digest.
Is broccoli more dangerous for cats than dogs?
Broccoli itself is generally considered low-risk for both cats and dogs when fed plain and in small amounts. The bigger species difference is that cats are obligate carnivores and can be more sensitive to certain food ingredients overall, so broccoli is less nutritionally appropriate for cats and should be kept to very small treat-sized portions.

Sources

  1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List — Cats — ASPCA
  2. Sharing is Caring: Foods You Can Safely Share with Your Pet — ASPCA
  3. Using Food and Treats for Training Cats — VCA Animal Hospitals
  4. Common Cat Hazards — Cornell Feline Health Center
  5. Can Cats Eat Broccoli? Safety & Benefits — SpectrumCare

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.

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