What Vegetables Are Safe for Cats? 10 Cat-Safe Vegetables (And Those to Avoid)

Variety of Vegetables Some of Which Can Be Toxic To Cats

If you own a cat, chances are that at one point or another you have had to keep your furry friend from eating from your plate. You know the age-old saying, 'Curiosity killed the cat'? Yeah, well...there's a reason that phrase came to be. Cats are notorious for being curious about things that they maybe shouldn't be, and human food is no exception. Maybe your cat seems to want a taste of the vegetables on your plate. This might leave you wondering what vegetables are safe for cats. The last thing we want is to have to rush our babies to the emergency room because we didn't realize that the food we let them have a little bite of was toxic!

In this article, I will cover what vegetables are safe for cats as well as vegetables that you should avoid feeding your kitty. As always, check with your veterinarian before feeding any new foods to your cats, as some cats many have certain health considerations to keep in mind.

The Importance of Being Informed About Safe Vegetables for Cats

Let's first start with why it's so crucial to have the knowledge on which vegetables are safe (and which ones are not so safe) for cats.

Cats are simply not built the same as humans, and they certainly do not have the same nutritional needs as we do. What might be perfectly safe for us to consume could be deadly to our kitties. For example, according to Preventive Vet, all foods in the Allium genus (onions, garlic, chives, shallots, etc.) are very toxic to cats as they have sulfur-containing oxidants, disulfides, and thiosulfates. These foods have no effect on humans, but to cats they can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells.

While I could go on for ages about the various types of food that is dangerous or toxic for cats, I'm here to talk about vegetables in particular. So let's get into it...

Vegetables That Are Safe for Cats

If you have a little veggie-loving monster on your hands, you may want to know what vegetables you can safely feed your fur baby. While cats are carnivorous and get most of their nutritional requirements from meat, vegetables can be beneficial, as they provide potassium, antioxidants, vitamins, and more.

Vegetables should never be used as a meal replacement, however. Additionally, you shouldn't give your cat too many vegetables, as having too much sugar can cause digestive issues in our feline counterparts. But don't fret - feeding some vegetables as a little snack here and there is perfectly fine! Keep reading to find out which vegetables your kitty can safely snack on.

Bowl of Broccoli Which is Safe for Cats

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is a perfectly safe vegetable for your kitty. While it may not particularly be a favorite among the cat community, if you notice your cat has eaten some broccoli from your plate, it is perfectly fine. In fact, broccoli offers many health benefits, including antioxidants and disease prevention.

2. Carrots

Ah yes, the carrot. A beloved favorite of Bugs Bunny's.

Oh wait...that's right. We're talking about cats. Yes, cats can eat carrots too! They are another perfectly safe vegetable for your cat, and they also offer many health benefits. Carrots have many vitamins and minerals, including fiber, B6, potassium, vitamin K1, and beta carotene.

No wonder Bugs Bunny loves them so much.

3. Celery

Celery is super crunchy and juicy, so it's no wonder cats may occasionally want a little bite of it. The good news is that this is okay!

Celery is safe for your cat in moderation, but there are some things to keep in mind if you do decide to once in a while give your kitty a little bite. For instance, make sure that the celery is cut up into small enough pieces to avoid a choking hazard. In addition, always make sure the celery is served plain to your cat and does not have any kind of seasonings, such as garlic.

4. Asparagus

Asparagus is another vegetable that is not toxic to cats and can be fed to your kitty in moderation. It's important to note, however, that there are some plants from the asparagus family (or plants that have asparagus in the name) that are listed as toxic on the ASPCA's list of toxic plants for cats. For example, asparagus fern is toxic to cats, so it's important to be very careful when choosing vegetables for your cat.

5. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is safe for cats to eat in moderation as well. It is high in fiber and is a great source of vitamins C and K and folate, which can help improve a cat's immune system.

One point to consider when feeding cauliflower is that while fiber can be beneficial for some cats' digestive systems, it can be difficult on other cats' systems and can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Always consult your vet for any health concerns when feeding cauliflower, and take your own individual cat's needs into consideration.

6. Peas

Peas are perfectly safe for your cat and contain many vitamins, including vitamins A, B, C, and K. They are also high in zinc, iron, fiber, and flavonoids. You may even find peas in a variety of cat foods, especially those that are advertised as 'grain-free'.

7. Zucchini

Zucchini does not contain any toxic compounds that are harmful to cats. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and contains essential nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium. As with any vegetables, avoid adding any seasonings or oils, and instead just feed it plain to your kitty. Small pieces like always, and only in moderation!

Cucumber Which Is Safe For Cats

8. Cucumber

This one in particular is a favorite in my household. My cats Luna and Hazel seem to love the smell of cucumber.

Thankfully, cucumbers are safe for kitty cats, and they are a great way to provide a hydrating snack for our furry friends. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins K and C, potassium, and beta carotene.

9. Cabbage

Cabbage is safe for our cats in moderation and also has many of the nutritional benefits as other leafy green vegetables.

However, it is important to prepare cabbage correctly. You should always boil or steam cabbage to cook it thoroughly in order to ensure it is safe for your cat. Cabbage, among other vegetables, contain thiocyanate, which can be harmful to the thyroid gland if fed over a long period of time. Cooking the cabbage lowers the thiocyanate to a safe level for your kitty.

10. Sweet Potato

Sweet potato is not toxic to cats when cooked (raw potatoes are toxic) and can be given in small amounts. However, it can occasionally cause some discomfort to your kitty, including vomiting and diarrhea. This is due to the high carbohydrate content of potatoes, which cats are not designed to digest very well.

Just remember to feed small amounts if you decide to feed your kitty sweet potato. Also, always keep an eye on your cat's reaction to the foods you feed them.

Image of Tomatoes and Mushrooms

Vegetables That Are Toxic to Cats

While there are many safe vegetables for your kitty to snack on, there are quite a lot of toxic vegetables as well. You should always consult your veterinarian and/or a list of toxic substances to cats, such as the ASPCA's list of toxic plants for cats, before feeding your cat a new food.

Some of the more common vegetables that are toxic or dangerous to cats include onions, garlic, leeks, chives, raw potatoes, shallots, and tomatoes. Take extra care to make sure your cat does not have access to these vegetables on your plate, counters, or anywhere else they can reach.

What to Do if Your Cat Has Eaten a Toxic Vegetable

If you find that your cat has ingested a toxic vegetable, it is important to consult a vet right away. Your vet might ask you a series of questions including how much they have eaten, how long it has been, and any signs or symptoms your cat is exhibiting. Each individual case is different, and providing as much information as you can to your vet is crucial so they can identify the correct course of action.

In Conclusion

While there are a variety of vegetables that are safe for your cat to snack on in moderation, there are also a lot of toxic vegetables out there. It's important for you as your cat's caretaker to be informed on the safety and toxicity of all vegetables, and all food for that matter, that you decide to feed your cat. We all want our kitty cats to be safe, happy, and healthy!

About the Author

Caitlyn is a mama to her two adorable fur babies, Luna and Hazel, and primarily works from home with her kitty cats. Luna is a tabby cat who survived Feline Infectious Peritonitis when she was just 5 months old, and Hazel is a spunky little American Bobtail. Caitlyn runs a blog called Caitycat, where she covers topics about working from home with cats, navigating multi-cat households, cat wellness, behavior, and more!