egg · Safe

Can cats eat eggs?

Yes, when cooked. Plain hard-boiled or scrambled egg with no salt, butter, or seasoning is a good source of protein and amino acids for cats, and many love it. Keep it a small treat rather than a meal, and always cook it — raw egg carries its own risks.

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Safe — cooked and plainFine as a small, plain treat

Can cats eat eggs?

Yes, when cooked. Plain hard-boiled or scrambled egg with no salt, butter, or seasoning is a good source of protein and amino acids for cats, and many love it. Keep it a small treat rather than a meal, and always cook it — raw egg carries its own risks.

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

Why this answer

Egg is highly digestible animal protein, rich in the amino acids an obligate carnivore uses well, which makes cooked egg a sound occasional treat. Cooking matters: raw whites contain avidin, which binds the vitamin biotin, and raw egg can carry Salmonella, so heat both neutralizes the avidin and kills bacteria.

Watch for

  • Mild stomach upset or loose stool if given too much
  • Weight gain if eggs become a frequent extra

How much is okay

A tablespoon or so of cooked egg, up to a couple of times a week, as a treat on top of a complete diet — not a daily meal.

Serve it safely

  • Cook the egg fully — boiled or scrambled — with no salt, butter, oil, or seasoning.
  • Skip any onion, garlic, or cheese mixed into scrambled eggs.
  • Let it cool and offer a small piece; refrigerate leftovers.
Sources and evidence notes (3)
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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  • SafeFine as a small, plain treat
  • CautionAmount, form, or frequency matters
  • DangerTreat it as a poisoning risk

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