A little parsley is tolerated by cats and even appears in some pet supplements, but large amounts are a problem. Certain parsley, especially spring parsley, contains compounds that make the skin overly sensitive to sunlight. A stray nibble is fine; regular or heavy feeding is not.
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Can cats eat parsley? 🍃
A little parsley is tolerated by cats and even appears in some pet supplements, but large amounts are a problem. Certain parsley, especially spring parsley, contains compounds that make the skin overly sensitive to sunlight. A stray nibble is fine; regular or heavy feeding is not.
Source-linked record · Last reviewed July 17, 2026 · Not veterinary advice
Why this answer
Parsley contains furanocoumarins, natural compounds that can cause photosensitization — skin that reacts painfully to sunlight — when a cat eats a lot of it, with spring parsley being the most potent source. In small culinary traces parsley is generally tolerated and even used for its mild diuretic effect, but the margin is narrow enough that quantity is the deciding factor.
Watch for
Red, irritated, or sunburn-like skin in exposed areas after heavy intake
Increased sensitivity to light or squinting
Vomiting or diarrhea from a large serving
How much is okay
At most a tiny fleck of plain leaf occasionally; never a handful, a supplement dose, or spring parsley.
Serve it safely
Offer only a tiny piece of rinsed plain parsley, if any.
Avoid spring parsley and concentrated parsley supplements.
Do not share parsley chopped into garlicky or buttery dishes.
Sources and evidence notes (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.
Poison List
Pet Poison Helpline — Veterinarian-maintained toxin database for dogs and cats, reachable at (855) 764-7661, with per-substance toxicity levels, signs, and species notes.
Poisons
Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Feline-specific poisoning overview covering common household toxin exposures in cats, clinical signs, and the need for prompt veterinary care.
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Effective: July 17, 2026
Can Cats Eat It? provides general educational information for cat owners. It is not veterinary, diagnostic, treatment, or emergency advice.
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