vegetable · Safe

Can cats eat broccoli?

Yes, in small amounts. Plain cooked broccoli is non-toxic to cats and safe as an occasional veggie treat. Steaming softens it and makes it easier to digest; large amounts can cause gas, so keep the portion small and skip butter and seasoning.

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Safe — cooked plain, small amountsFine as a small, plain treat

Can cats eat broccoli?

Yes, in small amounts. Plain cooked broccoli is non-toxic to cats and safe as an occasional veggie treat. Steaming softens it and makes it easier to digest; large amounts can cause gas, so keep the portion small and skip butter and seasoning.

Source-linked record · Last reviewed July 17, 2026 · Not veterinary advice

Why this answer

Broccoli contains no feline toxin and provides fiber and antioxidants that pass harmlessly in small amounts, though as a cruciferous vegetable it can produce gas and loose stool if a cat eats a lot. It offers an obligate carnivore little nutrition, so it belongs in the occasional-treat category, cooked and plain.

Watch for

  • Gas or bloating from the fiber
  • Loose stool if a cat eats a large serving

How much is okay

One or two small cooked florets or bite-sized pieces, once or twice a week, plain and unseasoned.

Serve it safely

  • Steam or boil until soft, with no salt, oil, garlic, or cheese sauce.
  • Cut into small pieces and let it cool before serving.
  • Offer a tiny amount first to see how your cat's stomach handles it.
Sources and evidence notes (3)
  1. Feeding Your Cat Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Feline nutrition fundamentals: cats are obligate carnivores; complete balanced cat food should be the diet base; treats should stay a small share of daily calories.
  2. Petfoodology Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University — Board-certified veterinary nutritionist guidance on pet diets, treat limits (about 10% of daily calories), human-food snacks, and species-appropriate feeding for cats and dogs.
  3. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Multi-species veterinary toxicology list covering alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, citrus, coconut, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, milk and dairy, nuts, onions, garlic and chives, raw meat and eggs, salty snacks, xylitol, and yeast dough.

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