By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Last updated: 3 November 2026
Some cats will happily chew on leafy greens, and kale is often in the fridge. If your cat has nibbled a kale leaf, there is no need to worry. Kale is not considered a toxic food for cats. That does not make it a useful part of their diet. Cats are built to eat meat, and kale is best treated as an occasional, tiny extra, or skipped altogether.
Key takeaways
- Kale is not listed on the ASPCA's people foods to avoid feeding pets.
- A small amount of plain, finely chopped kale is unlikely to harm a healthy cat.
- Cats are obligate carnivores and do not need vegetables in their diet.
- The RSPCA lists roughly-cut vegetables among foods to avoid, so chop it finely if you offer any.
- Avoid kale chips, salads and cooked dishes, which may contain salt, oil, garlic or onion.
Is kale safe for cats?
Kale is a leafy green from the cabbage family. It is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control list of people foods to avoid, which covers foods such as onions, garlic, grapes, chocolate and xylitol.
The RSPCA explains that cats are obligate carnivores and do not have some of the enzymes and body processes other animals use to digest and convert plant nutrients. It notes that cats may be offered a small amount of finely-cut vegetable matter. That is the best way to think about kale: a very small taste, not a health food.
Why cats do not need kale
A complete and balanced commercial cat food already contains what a healthy cat needs. Cornell's Feline Health Center notes that cats rely on nutrients found only in animal products, and its feeding guidance suggests that treats make up no more than 10 to 15 percent of daily calories.
Too much of any unfamiliar leafy food can cause soft stools, wind or vomiting, especially if your cat eats it quickly.
Kale dishes to avoid
Plain kale is very different from the ways people usually eat it.
- Kale chips are often salted and seasoned. Some flavours contain onion or garlic powder.
- Salads can include onion, dressings with garlic, nuts or dried fruit.
- Sautéed kale is commonly cooked with garlic and oil.
- Green smoothies may contain fruit, sweeteners or other ingredients that do not suit cats.
Onion and garlic are the main concern. Cats are especially sensitive to the Allium family, and the Merck Veterinary Manual notes that signs of anaemia may take several days to appear. See our guides on onions and garlic.
How to offer kale, if you want to
- Wash a fresh leaf well.
- Remove the tough stem.
- Chop it very finely, or steam it plain and chop it.
- Offer one or two small pieces and see how your cat responds.
- Do not add salt, oil, butter, garlic or dressing.
If your cat has kidney disease, bladder stones or another health condition, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Signs to watch for
- vomiting
- soft stools or diarrhoea
- wind or a gurgling tummy
- reduced appetite
These usually settle within a day if your cat ate plain kale. Call your vet if they do not.
When to see a vet urgently
Go to your nearest emergency vet clinic if your cat:
- vomits repeatedly or cannot keep water down
- seems weak, lethargic or collapses
- has pale or yellow gums, or red or brown urine, after eating a kale dish that contained onion or garlic
Better treats for cats
- a small piece of plain cooked chicken or fish
- freeze-dried meat treats made for cats
- cat grass, which many cats like to chew. The RSPCA notes cats may benefit from access to grass that has not been chemically treated.
FAQ
Is kale toxic to cats?
Kale is not on the ASPCA list of people foods to avoid. Plain kale in a small amount is unlikely to cause harm.
Can kittens eat kale?
Kittens need a complete kitten food to grow well. There is no need to give them greens.
My cat keeps chewing my kale plant. Should I worry?
A few nibbles are unlikely to be a problem. If your cat chews plants a lot, offer cat grass instead and check that none of your houseplants are toxic to cats.
Talk with a vet
If you are unsure which foods suit your cat, or your cat has a health condition, book a video consult with Dial A Vet's real vets and vet nurses (we help with dogs and cats). Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- 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.
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 vet clinic.