Can Cats Eat Broccoli? A Vet-Based Guide for Cat Owners (Updated October 2026)

Last updated: October 22, 2026. Originally published August 2024. We rechecked this guide against current ASPCA and PetMD veterinary information and removed statistics we could not verify.

Key takeaways

• Yes, broccoli is not toxic to cats and is fine in small amounts. It is also not necessary, because cats are obligate carnivores.
• Serve it plain. Cooked broccoli is easier to digest, and raw broccoli is acceptable if chopped small.
• Start with a piece about the size of a pinky nail, and keep any treat small. The ASPCA says snacks should stay under 5 percent of daily calories.
• Stop and call your vet if your cat has vomiting, diarrhea or other signs of an upset stomach.

If your cat sniffs at the broccoli on your plate, you may wonder whether a nibble is okay. The short answer from veterinarians is yes, in small amounts, with a few rules. Here is what the experts say.

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Is broccoli safe for cats?

PetMD veterinarian Sandra Mitchell notes that because broccoli is not toxic, it is safe for cats, but that does not make it good for them. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they get most of their calories from animal-based meat. Vegetables are harder for them to digest and generally provide little useful nutrition. Broccoli is rich in fiber and low in calories, sugars and fat, so it is an acceptable occasional snack if your cat likes it. The ASPCA also lists broccoli among the pet-safe snacks.

Source: PetMD, “Can Cats Eat Broccoli?” by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP (https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/can-cats-eat-broccoli). Screenshot captured October 22, 2026.

Broccoli for cats at a glance

Infographic created by Pet Story from PetMD guidance, October 22, 2026.

Why do some cats like broccoli?

There is no solid research on why individual cats like it. Many cats are simply curious about new smells, textures and anything that is on your plate. If your cat shows interest, that does not mean they need it. Our earlier version of this post cited percentages about cat curiosity and inflammation. We could not verify those figures, so we have removed them.

Photo: broccoli florets by Forest and Kim Starr via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY 3.0 US (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Starr-091108-9380-Brassica_oleracea_var_botrytis-broccoli_florets-Olinda-Maui_(24358623544).jpg).

How to offer broccoli safely

Infographic created by Pet Story from PetMD and ASPCA guidance, October 22, 2026.

• Keep it plain. PetMD says broccoli must be totally plain, with no seasonings or butter. Onion and garlic seasoning is dangerous for cats, so check anything from your plate.
• Cook it or chop it. Cooked broccoli is easier to digest. Steaming or baking keeps more nutrients, and boiling is also safe. Raw is acceptable if chopped first. Large pieces can be a choking hazard.
• Start with a pinky-nail-sized piece. If there are no signs of stomach upset, you can gradually offer more.
• Limit portions. PetMD suggests portions about the size of a thumb, cut into smaller pieces, once or twice a week. The ASPCA says snacks of any kind should total no more than 5 percent of daily calories.

Source: ASPCA, “Sharing is Caring: Foods You Can Safely Share with Your Pet” (https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet). Screenshot captured October 22, 2026.

Risks of too much broccoli

Too much broccoli can cause gas, stomach upset and abdominal discomfort, according to PetMD. The ASPCA adds that too much of a food your pet is not used to can lead to digestive upset, and that rich human foods can bring on pancreatitis. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea or a change in appetite after your cat eats broccoli, stop offering it and call your veterinarian.

Photo: “A Cat Doing its Thing” by Darren Glanville via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Cat_Doing_its_Thing_(8661691040).jpg).

Better treats for a carnivore

Lean cooked meats such as chicken or turkey, served plain and without bones, are more natural treats for cats, PetMD says. The ASPCA agrees that small amounts of plain, boneless cooked meat are okay and suggests avoiding salty processed meats. Ask your vet what suits your cat, especially if your cat has a health condition.

Photo: “Broccoli florets on ice” by Jeffery Martin via Wikimedia Commons, released under CC0 (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Broccoli_florets_on_ice.jpg).

Treats made for carnivores

• Freeze-dried chicken cat treats
• Cat grass growing kits

Browse freeze-dried chicken cat treats on Amazon →
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Frequently asked questions

Can cats eat raw broccoli?

PetMD says raw broccoli is safe if chopped before feeding, though cooked is easier to digest.

Can cats eat broccoli stems?

Chop anything very small. Large or tough pieces are a choking and digestive hazard.

Is broccoli good for a cat’s health?

It provides fiber but little else of value to a carnivore. Treat it as a harmless extra, not a health food.

What foods are dangerous?

Onions, garlic, chocolate, alcohol and xylitol are among the worst. See our guide to foods your cat should never eat.

Related guides

• Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat
• Best Cat Treats and Lickable Treats
• Best Cat Water Fountains
• Why Do Cats Like Shoes and Slippers?

Sources

• PetMD, “Can Cats Eat Broccoli?” (https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/can-cats-eat-broccoli)
• ASPCA, “Sharing is Caring: Foods You Can Safely Share with Your Pet” (https://www.aspca.org/news/sharing-caring-foods-you-can-safely-share-your-pet)
• ASPCA, “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets” (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets)

This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary advice. If your pet seems sick, or you are unsure, call your veterinarian.