Can Cats Eat Cabbage?

Yes, cats can eat cabbage in moderation as long as it is prepared the right way.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable belonging to the same family as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. With over 400 varieties, its leaves can come in shades of white, green, red, and purple. This vegetable contains dietary fiber, vitamins B, C, and K, as well as protein, which can benefit your feline pet to some extent. However, since cats are known for being obligate carnivores, they do not need to consume large amounts of vegetables and fruits to function at their best. Instead, they rely on animal-based protein to meet their dietary needs.

How to feed cabbage to your cat: It is safer for cats to eat soft cooked cabbage than its raw counterpart. Remove the thick outer leaves and rotten parts, and cut the cabbage head into wedges before rinsing. Steam, roast, sautee, or boil the cabbage using water. Do not use salt, oils, herbs, or spices to add flavour to the cabbage.

Chop the cabbage into thin, fine pieces that can be eaten by your cat. Prevent choking or intestinal blockage by taking out the tough core and disposing it properly.

Here are three ideas for cabbage treats your cat will love:

Sprinkle chopped red cabbage over your cat’s next meal.
Use cabbage as your choice vegetable for this “energetically balanced” cat food recipe.
Place pieces of shredded cabbage in your hand and feed it to your cat as a reward.

In summary: Make sure to talk to your veterinarian and gain his approval before adding cabbage to your cat’s diet. Depending on her pre-existing health issues, she may not be fit to eat this vegetable. Also, be sure to limit cabbage consumption since too much can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Long-term overeating may even lead to hypothyroidism.

Discover more human foods you can safely feed to your pet cat through our “can cats eat” category.