Food safety

Can Cats Eat Broccoli?

Safe in small amounts — Broccoli for cats.

Safe in small amounts

Why: Plain cooked broccoli is not toxic to cats. It is fibrous and can cause gas, so small amounts only — and raw broccoli is harder to digest and a choking risk.

Safe serving: One small floret of plain steamed broccoli, occasionally.

If your cat ate broccoli: No action needed for plain cooked broccoli. Watch for gas or loose stools.

Related: Bok Choy, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts

Why this verdict

Plain cooked broccoli is not toxic to cats. It is fibrous and can cause gas, so small amounts only — and raw broccoli is harder to digest and a choking risk.

Safe serving

One small floret of plain steamed broccoli, occasionally.

If your cat ate broccoli

No action needed for plain cooked broccoli. Watch for gas or loose stools.

Related foods

Bok Choy, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts

Check another food

Back to the Food-Safety Checker to check all 90 foods, or see the beginner feeding guide and the feeding estimator.

Before you use the result

Use the result as a starting point for observation and planning. Cats vary by age, body condition, temperament, medical history, and household setup.

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and the Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat. Chocolate toxicity figures are approximate values from the Merck Veterinary Manual. If your cat ate something on the toxic list, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.