Why
Broccoli is a safe vegetable for cats, according to PetMD's veterinary guide, which describes it as rich in fiber and low in calories, sugar and fat. Many cats like to chew on fresh greens, and a soft floret can satisfy that urge in a safe way.
Broccoli is not something a cat needs, though. PetMD's guide points out that cats are obligate carnivores and that broccoli is not necessarily good for them, just safe. A complete cat food already provides everything a healthy cat needs, so broccoli is best treated as an occasional novelty rather than a way to add vegetables to a cat's diet.
What to watch out for
- Butter, oil, salt, garlic and other seasonings
- Broccoli stir-fried with garlic, a common way to cook greens
- Large pieces and tough stems, which can be a choking hazard or cause a blockage
- Too much broccoli, which can cause gas, an upset stomach or diarrhea
- Broccoli in cheese sauce or casseroles
How to serve it
- Wash the broccoli well.
- Steam, bake or boil it plain until soft. Raw broccoli is also safe if it is chopped finely, but cooked broccoli is easier to digest.
- Cut the floret into small pieces your cat can swallow without effort.
- Start with a piece about the size of your little fingernail.
- If your cat has no stomach upset, you can offer a little more next time, but keep it occasional.
How much?
PetMD's veterinary guide on broccoli suggests starting with a piece the size of a pinky nail, then, if there is no stomach upset, offering about a thumb-sized portion cut into small pieces once or twice a week. PetMD's guide to human foods for cats suggests about a half-inch cube of cooked broccoli once or twice a week.
Cooked or raw broccoli
Broccoli can be offered either cooked or raw, according to PetMD's veterinary guide, but cooked broccoli is easier for a cat to digest. Steaming or baking keeps more of the nutrients than boiling, though plain boiled broccoli is also fine.
Raw broccoli is crunchy and stiff, so chop it into very small pieces before sharing it. Whole florets and stems are the parts most likely to get stuck, and PetMD's guide warns that large pieces of broccoli pose a choking hazard and a risk of gastrointestinal obstruction.
Why garlicky stir-fried broccoli is off the menu
Broccoli stir-fried with garlic is one of the most common ways greens reach the dinner table, and it is the version a cat is most likely to find. Garlic belongs to the allium family, which the Merck Veterinary Manual identifies as a cause of red blood cell damage in cats, and cats are particularly sensitive to it. A stir-fry also adds oil and salt.
Broccoli for a cat should be set aside before anything else goes into the pan. PetMD's guide is clear that the broccoli must be totally plain, with no seasonings or butter. If your cat helped itself to garlic broccoli, note roughly how much it ate and call your vet.
Signs broccoli did not agree with your cat
Broccoli is high in fiber, and too much can upset a cat's stomach. PetMD's guide lists gas, stomach upset and abdominal discomfort as signs to stop offering it. Most cats only nibble, but a cat that discovers it likes broccoli may eat more than is good for it.
Broccoli that causes more than a mild, short-lived reaction is a reason to call your vet. Contact your vet if your cat:
- Vomits more than once
- Has diarrhea that lasts longer than a day
- Stops eating or seems lethargic
- Gags, paws at its mouth or seems to struggle to swallow
Common questions
Is broccoli good for cats?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Broccoli is a safe vegetable for cats, according to PetMD's veterinary guide, which describes it as rich in fiber and low in calories, sugar and fat. Many cats like to chew on fresh greens, and a soft floret can satisfy that urge in a safe way.
Is broccoli bad for cats?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: butter, oil, salt, garlic and other seasonings.
Are cats allowed to have broccoli?
Yes. Wash the broccoli well.
Can kittens eat broccoli?
A tiny piece of plain, soft broccoli is unlikely to hurt a healthy kitten, but kittens have small stomachs that should be filled with complete kitten food. There is no need to offer vegetables to a kitten. Check with your vet first.
Can cats eat broccoli stems?
Broccoli stems are tough and fibrous, and large pieces can be a choking hazard or cause a blockage. If you want to share broccoli, use the soft floret, cooked and chopped into small pieces.
Sources
- PetMD. Can Cats Eat Broccoli? (Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- PetMD. What Human Food Can Cats Eat? (Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
If your cat has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or an animal poison control service right away, even if your cat seems fine. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.