By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Some cats ignore carrots completely. Others will happily bat a slice across the kitchen floor and then chew it. Carrot is not toxic to cats, and a little plain cooked carrot is generally fine. It just is not the nutritional boost it might be for people, because cats handle plant nutrients differently from us.
Key takeaways
- Carrot is not toxic to cats. The ASPCA lists the garden carrot as non-toxic to cats.
- Serve it cooked, plain and finely cut. RSPCA Australia advises against roughly cut vegetables for cats.
- Cats cannot rely on carrots for vitamin A. RSPCA Australia explains cats need preformed vitamin A, which comes from animal foods.
- Carrot is a treat, not a food. Treats should stay under 10 to 15 percent of daily calories.
- Glazed, buttered or seasoned carrots are not suitable.
- Related reading: vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
Are carrots safe for cats?
The ASPCA's plant database lists the garden carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa) as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and notes that the taproot is the edible carrot we all know. RSPCA Australia says cats may be offered a small amount of finely cut vegetable matter. So a few small pieces of plain carrot are a reasonable occasional treat for most healthy cats.
The vitamin A myth
Carrots are famous for beta-carotene, which people convert into vitamin A. Cats are different. RSPCA Australia explains that as obligate carnivores, cats need preformed vitamin A, along with specific amino acids and the fatty acid arachidonic acid, from a diet based on animal tissue. In other words, carrot is not a way to support your cat's eyesight or immune system.
You may read that carrots support a cat's vision and immunity through vitamin A. That holds for people, not for cats. A complete commercial cat food is designed to supply the vitamin A your cat needs.
How to prepare carrot for a cat
- Wash and peel the carrot
- Steam or boil it until soft
- Leave out butter, oil, salt, honey glazes and seasoning
- Cut it into very small pieces
- Let it cool before offering
RSPCA Australia lists roughly cut vegetables among foods to avoid for cats. Raw carrot sticks and coins are hard and can be difficult for a cat to chew or swallow safely.
Carrots in mixed dishes
Carrot often turns up in stews, soups, stir fries and roasting trays alongside onion and garlic. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes cats as the species most susceptible to onion and garlic toxicosis. Avoid sharing carrot from a mixed dish, and never share carrot cake, which is high in sugar and fat and may contain raisins or nuts.
How much is okay?
Cornell's Feline Health Center suggests treats should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of a cat's daily calories. For carrot, that means a few small pieces now and then. Too much plant matter can upset a cat's stomach.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Gagging, retching or pawing at the mouth (a piece may be stuck)
- Straining in the litter tray
- Lethargy or loss of appetite
When to call a vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline
Call your vet if your cat is choking, gagging or retching after eating carrot. Do not try to pull out a piece stuck in the throat.
Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea continues for more than a day or your cat stops eating.
Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) if your cat ate carrot from a dish that contained onion, garlic or other risky ingredients.
How vets help
Your vet can check for a stuck piece of food, advise on care for a mild tummy upset, or test for problems if onion or garlic was involved. If your cat is overweight, your vet can help you plan treats that fit a healthy diet.
Other treats cats tend to enjoy more
- Small pieces of plain cooked chicken or fish
- Commercial cat treats
- Cat grass (untreated) for cats that like to chew greens
FAQ
Can cats eat raw carrot?
It is not toxic, but hard raw pieces are hard to chew and RSPCA Australia advises against roughly cut vegetables. Cooked and finely cut is better.
Can kittens eat carrot?
A tiny piece of soft cooked carrot is unlikely to hurt, but kittens should eat a complete kitten diet.
Is carrot good for a cat with diabetes or weight issues?
Talk to your vet. Diet is a big part of managing these conditions, and treats should be planned with them.
Are carrot tops safe?
The ASPCA lists the carrot plant as non-toxic to cats, and notes the plant contains psoralens, which have been known to irritate skin. A nibble is unlikely to cause problems.
Talk with a vet
If you are thinking about adding vegetables or other extras to your cat's diet, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you do it safely. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Carrot Flower.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. Do cats have special nutritional requirements?.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Animal Poisons Helpline | 24/7 Pet Poisoning Advice.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.