Why
Rice is a carbohydrate, and carbohydrates are not what a cat's body runs on. The Cornell Feline Health Center explains that cats evolved eating prey that contains only a minimal amount of carbohydrate, and PetMD's veterinary guide on rice concludes that rice is not toxic to cats but is not good for them either. A cat that eats a spoonful of plain rice will usually be fine, but the cat has gained calories rather than nutrition.
Rice also shows up in cat food, which confuses many owners. Some complete cat foods include rice as one ingredient in a recipe that has been balanced as a whole. That is different from adding plain rice to a cat's bowl at home, which dilutes the food without adding anything a cat needs. Regular extra carbohydrates can contribute to weight gain, and PetMD's guide notes that obesity raises the risk of diabetes, arthritis and heart disease in cats.
Risks to watch for
- Uncooked rice, which a vet should hear about if your cat eats any
- Fried rice, which contains oil, salt and often onion, scallions or garlic
- Rice dishes with sauces, such as braised pork over rice or curry rice
- Rice cooked in broth or stock, which may contain salt and onion
- Kittens, which PetMD's guide says should not be given rice
- Vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating or straining after eating rice
How to share safely
- Use plain white or brown rice cooked until soft, with no salt, butter, oil or seasoning.
- Let the rice cool to room temperature.
- Offer no more than a small spoonful, mixed into your cat's regular food.
- Do not use rice to replace part of your cat's meal.
- If your cat has an upset stomach, call your vet rather than switching to a homemade rice diet.
How much?
PetMD's veterinary guide suggests keeping rice to less than a tablespoon per week for an adult cat, and only if the rice is well cooked and plain. Kittens should not have rice.
Rice for an upset stomach works for dogs, not cats
Rice mixed with boiled chicken is a familiar home remedy for dogs with an upset stomach, and many owners assume it will help a cat too. PetMD's veterinary guide on rice says that cats do not benefit from a bland rice-and-meat diet the way dogs do, because a cat's digestive system is built for meat.
Rice is therefore not a treatment for vomiting or diarrhea in a cat. PetMD's guide recommends a vet visit for a cat that vomits more than once or twice a month, and diarrhea that comes with repeated vomiting, weight loss or lethargy needs prompt attention. Your vet may recommend a prescription diet that has been designed for sensitive stomachs instead.
White rice, brown rice and congee
White rice and brown rice are both acceptable in tiny amounts when they are plain and soft. PetMD's guide notes that brown rice probably has a slightly better nutritional profile, but cats do not digest it well, so neither type adds much to a healthy diet.
Rice porridge, or congee, is softer and easier to eat, which makes it tempting for an older or unwell cat. Plain congee made only with rice and water is no more harmful than plain rice, but congee cooked with stock, pork floss, preserved egg or scallions should not be shared. A cat that is not eating needs a vet check, not a bowl of porridge.
Rice dishes to keep away from cats
Rice dishes made for people often contain ingredients that matter more than the rice itself. Watch especially for these:
- Fried rice, which is cooked in oil and usually seasoned with salt, soy sauce and scallions or garlic
- Braised pork rice and similar dishes topped with fried shallots, which belong to the onion family
- Curry rice, which typically contains onion and garlic
- Sticky rice snacks and rice cakes, which are dense, may be sweetened and can be hard to swallow
- Raw, uncooked rice, which is hard to digest; call your vet if your cat eats any
Common questions
Is rice good for cats?
Only in limited ways. Rice is a carbohydrate, and carbohydrates are not what a cat's body runs on. The Cornell Feline Health Center explains that cats evolved eating prey that contains only a minimal amount of carbohydrate, and PetMD's veterinary guide on rice concludes that rice is not toxic to cats but is not good for them either.
Is rice bad for cats?
It can be. Risks to watch for: uncooked rice, which a vet should hear about if your cat eats any; fried rice, which contains oil, salt and often onion, scallions or garlic.
Are cats allowed to have rice?
Only in small amounts and the right form. Use plain white or brown rice cooked until soft, with no salt, butter, oil or seasoning.
Can kittens eat rice?
No. PetMD's veterinary guide says kittens should not eat rice, because they need carefully balanced nutrition while they grow and have a harder time processing carbohydrates. Feed a complete kitten food instead.
My cat ate some fried rice. What should I do?
Find out what was in the fried rice and roughly how much your cat ate. A lick of plain rice is not a concern, but fried rice often contains onion, scallions or garlic, which are harmful to cats, so call your vet with the ingredient list if your cat ate more than a few grains.
Sources
- PetMD. Can Cats Eat Rice? (Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- 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.