🐱 Vegetables · vet-sourced verdicts
What vegetables can cats eat?
Plenty of vegetables make great crunchy, low-calorie treats for cats — and two of the most common ones in every kitchen (onion and garlic) are among the most dangerous things they can eat. The whole veggie drawer, sorted by verdict.
⚠️ If your cat got into a "never" item, act now — don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet or a poison line: ASPCA 888-426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661. 60-second emergency check →
✅ Safe in moderation (12)
🥕CarrotCooked, plain carrot in small amounts is safe for cats, though most prefer protein.Yes🎃PumpkinPlain pumpkin can help with hairballs and digestion in cats. Never the spiced pie mix.Yes🥒CucumberCucumber is non-toxic and safe for cats in small slices, if they’re curious.Yes🫛Green beansPlain cooked green beans are safe for cats and a fine occasional veggie treat.Yes🌽CornPlain corn kernels are non-toxic for cats in small amounts. Keep cats away from the cob.Yes🥬CeleryCelery is non-toxic for cats and some enjoy the crunch in small pieces.Yes🥬LettucePlain lettuce is non-toxic for cats and a fine occasional crunchy nibble.Yes🟢PeasPlain peas are non-toxic for cats and often appear in cat food. Fine in small amounts.Yes🥒ZucchiniPlain zucchini is non-toxic for cats and a fine occasional veggie in small amounts.Yes🫑Bell pepperPlain bell pepper is non-toxic for cats in tiny amounts, though most prefer protein.Yes🟠Butternut squashPlain cooked squash is non-toxic for cats in small amounts and can help digestion.Yes🥬ArugulaPlain arugula is non-toxic for cats in tiny amounts, though most are not interested.Yes
⚠️ Caution — limits apply (21)
🍠Sweet potatoNot toxic, but cats gain little from sweet potato and some get an upset stomach.In moderation🥦BroccoliA little plain cooked broccoli is non-toxic, but too much causes digestive upset in cats.In moderation🍅TomatoRipe tomato in tiny amounts is low-risk, but the green plant parts are toxic to cats.In moderation🥬SpinachA little cooked spinach is fine, but oxalates mean it should be avoided in cats with kidney issues.In moderation🥬CabbageA little cooked cabbage is non-toxic, but it causes gas and digestive upset in larger amounts.In moderation🥦CauliflowerA little plain cooked cauliflower is non-toxic, but too much causes digestive upset in cats.In moderation🥔PotatoA little plain cooked potato is non-toxic, but raw or green potato is toxic and starch suits cats poorly.In moderation🍄MushroomStore-bought plain mushrooms are low-risk in tiny amounts, but wild mushrooms can be fatal. Keep cats away from wild ones.In moderation🥬AsparagusCooked asparagus is non-toxic but offers cats little and can cause mild stomach upset.In moderation🟣BeetrootBeetroot is non-toxic but sugary and offers cats little. Best kept to a tiny taste.In moderation🥬KaleA little cooked kale is non-toxic, but the oxalates and roughage can upset cats. Small amounts only.In moderation🥬Brussels sproutsA little cooked brussels sprout is non-toxic but commonly causes gas and upset in cats.In moderation🍆EggplantEggplant is a nightshade and offers cats little. Small cooked amounts only, if at all.In moderation🟢OkraPlain okra is non-toxic but offers cats little nutritional value.In moderation🔴RadishRadish is non-toxic but pungent and offers cats little. Best kept to a tiny taste.In moderation🟣TurnipCooked turnip is non-toxic but offers cats little. A tiny amount at most.In moderation🫛EdamamePlain edamame is non-toxic in tiny amounts, but soy is not a natural cat food.In moderation🟤ChickpeasPlain cooked chickpeas are non-toxic in tiny amounts, but cats gain little from legumes.In moderation🟤LentilsPlain cooked lentils are non-toxic in tiny amounts, but cats are carnivores and gain little.In moderation🫘Black beansPlain cooked black beans are non-toxic in tiny amounts but not suited to a cat diet.In moderation🫘Kidney beansOnly fully cooked plain kidney beans, in tiny amounts. Raw beans are toxic and legumes suit cats poorly.In moderation
🚫 Never — keep away (6)
🧅OnionCats are even more sensitive than dogs to onion toxicity, which destroys red blood cells.No🧄GarlicGarlic is highly toxic to cats and can cause life-threatening anemia even in small amounts.No🥬LeekLeeks are highly toxic to cats, which are very sensitive to allium vegetables. Never feed them.No🌿ChivesChives are toxic to cats and can cause life-threatening anemia. Keep them away entirely.No🧅Green onionGreen onion is toxic to cats and can cause dangerous anemia. Never feed it.No🧅ShallotShallots are highly toxic to cats. Even small amounts can damage red blood cells.No
Ad placement
By the CanMyPet Editorial Team · Verdicts reviewed against ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pet Poison Helpline · How we review →
CanMyPet provides general information reviewed against trusted sources (ASPCA, AKC, Pet Poison Helpline). It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian.