Vegetable
Can cats eat courgette?
Plain cooked courgette is safe for cats in small amounts, though they gain little from it.
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.
How much, how often
A small cooked piece.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Slice or grate raw, or steam lightly
- No oil, butter, garlic or onion
- Avoid very bitter home-grown courgettes, which can contain cucurbitacins
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs Safe
Yes. Courgette (zucchini) is safe and low in calories for dogs, raw or cooked, as long as it is plain.
How much: A few slices.
Can dogs eat courgette?Cats In moderation
Plain cooked courgette is safe for cats in small amounts, though they gain little from it.
How much: A small cooked piece.
The details
Occasionally, home-grown courgettes and squash taste extremely bitter. The bitterness comes from cucurbitacins, which can cause severe stomach upsets in people and pets. Shop-bought courgettes are bred to avoid this, but if a courgette tastes bitter to you, throw it away rather than sharing it.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat courgette?
Plain cooked courgette is safe for cats in small amounts, though they gain little from it.
How much courgette can a cat have?
A small cooked piece.
What should I do if my cat ate courgette?
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 courgette safe for dogs too?
Yes. Courgette (zucchini) is safe and low in calories for dogs, raw or cooked, as long as it is plain.
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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