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Can cats eat broccoli?

Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.

Yes, cats can have broccoli as an occasional treat. Source: VCA. PDSA lists plain boiled or steamed broccoli as safe for cats. Treats should stay small, because cats get most of what they need from meat. A small piece of plain steamed or boiled broccoli. Broccoli is a plain-and-small food: the sources are fine with it raw or cooked, as long as no butter, oil or seasoning comes along.

Checked October 29, 2026.

By Peabody editors. How we write and check.

SafeFine as an occasional treat.

Why

PDSA lists plain boiled or steamed broccoli as safe for cats. Treats should stay small, because cats get most of what they need from meat.

How to serve it

A small piece of plain steamed or boiled broccoli.

Good to know

Broccoli is a plain-and-small food: the sources are fine with it raw or cooked, as long as no butter, oil or seasoning comes along.

Watch for: Broccoli from a takeout dish or cheesy side often has sauce, oil, garlic or onion on it.

Already ate it?

If your pet ate a lot, or you are worried, call your vet. Say what was eaten, how much and when, and have your pet's weight ready.

Poison emergency? Call now

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day, every day. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-up calls included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.

For the children

"A grown-up can give cats a little broccoli now and then. Their own food is still their dinner."

A job: Be the label reader. Before a grown-up shares any food with the cat, check this page, and ask a grown-up if the food is not on it.

This page is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. Your own vet knows your cat. Cats differ.

Sources