Vegetable
Can cats eat cabbage?
A small amount of plain cooked cabbage is safe for cats but offers little benefit.
Why Very large, regular amounts of raw cabbage may affect thyroid function
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
- Gas and bloating
- Loose stools
How much, how often
A small piece, occasionally.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Shred or chop finely
- Plain only — no coleslaw with mayonnaise or onion
- Sauerkraut is salty; skip it
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs Safe
Yes. Plain cabbage, raw or cooked, is safe for dogs in small amounts and is low in calories. It can cause wind.
How much: A small shredded handful, a few times a week.
Can dogs eat cabbage?Cats In moderation
A small amount of plain cooked cabbage is safe for cats but offers little benefit.
How much: A small piece, occasionally.
The details
Cabbage contains compounds that can interfere with iodine uptake by the thyroid when eaten in very large quantities. That is only a concern for pets eating it as a large part of their diet, not as an occasional treat. Red and green cabbage are both fine.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat cabbage?
A small amount of plain cooked cabbage is safe for cats but offers little benefit.
How much cabbage can a cat have?
A small piece, occasionally.
What makes cabbage risky for cats?
Very large, regular amounts of raw cabbage may affect thyroid function.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
gas and bloating, loose stools.
What should I do if my cat ate cabbage?
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 cabbage safe for dogs too?
Yes. Plain cabbage, raw or cooked, is safe for dogs in small amounts and is low in calories. It can cause wind.
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
