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Pet safety

Is Broccoli toxic to cats?

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists broccoli as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Brassica species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses in quantity. Small amounts of cooked broccoli are widely fed to dogs without issue; large raw amounts cause GI upset.

What to do if your cat ate broccoli

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move broccoli out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of broccoli to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten broccoli, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is broccoli toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is broccoli toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists broccoli as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists Brassica species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses in quantity. Small amounts of cooked broccoli are widely fed to dogs without issue; large raw amounts cause GI upset.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats broccoli?

ASPCA lists Brassica species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses in quantity. Small amounts of cooked broccoli are widely fed to dogs without issue; large raw amounts cause GI upset. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to broccoli.

What should I do if my cat ate broccoli?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is broccoli toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Broccoli is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full broccoli pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to broccoli?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full broccoli pet-safety