Vegetable
Can cats eat asparagus?
A little plain cooked asparagus is safe, though cats rarely want it.
Why None in the edible spears; the ornamental asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus) berries and foliage are irritant
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Signs to watch for
- Upset stomach after eating a lot
- Choking on tough raw stalks
How much, how often
A small piece.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Steam until soft and cut into small pieces
- No butter, hollandaise or garlic
- Don’t confuse with the asparagus fern houseplant
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Plain cooked asparagus is safe for dogs in small pieces. Raw stalks are tough and a choking risk. The asparagus fern plant is a different story — it is toxic.
How much: A few small cooked pieces.
Can dogs eat asparagus?Cats In moderation
A little plain cooked asparagus is safe, though cats rarely want it.
How much: A small piece.
The details
Asparagus is harmless, but it isn’t the most practical treat: dogs struggle to chew the fibrous stalks, and cooking it until soft removes much of the appeal. The name causes confusion with the popular asparagus fern, a houseplant whose berries and leaves can cause vomiting and skin irritation.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat asparagus?
A little plain cooked asparagus is safe, though cats rarely want it.
How much asparagus can a cat have?
A small piece.
What makes asparagus risky for cats?
None in the edible spears; the ornamental asparagus fern (Asparagus densiflorus) berries and foliage are irritant.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
upset stomach after eating a lot, choking on tough raw stalks.
What should I do if my cat ate asparagus?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is asparagus safe for dogs too?
Plain cooked asparagus is safe for dogs in small pieces. Raw stalks are tough and a choking risk. The asparagus fern plant is a different story — it is toxic.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
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