Can cats eat green beans?
Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.
Yes, cats can have green beans as an occasional treat. VCA lists green beans among safe vegetables for pets, and PDSA says plain boiled or steamed green beans are safe for cats. Cats still need mostly meat, so give only a little. A few plain green beans, steamed or boiled, with no seasoning, butter or oil.
Checked October 29, 2026.
Why
VCA lists green beans among safe vegetables for pets, and PDSA says plain boiled or steamed green beans are safe for cats. Cats still need mostly meat, so give only a little.
How to serve it
A few plain green beans, steamed or boiled, with no seasoning, butter or oil.
Good to know
Plain green beans are fine, but the can or casserole version often brings salt and seasoning, so the way they are cooked matters more than the bean.
Watch for: Green bean casserole and seasoned beans can include onion or garlic, which are toxic to pets.
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 green beans 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
- VCA: Treats to skip and treats to share with your pet (checked October 29, 2026)
- VCA: How To Choose Safe Holiday Foods for Pets (checked October 29, 2026)
- PDSA: Cats and roast dinners (checked October 29, 2026)