Can cats eat carrots?
Yes, a small piece of plain carrot is fine as an occasional treat. Cats Protection lists carrots among vegetables you can feed your cat. Cook it until soft, or chop raw carrot into small chunks to prevent choking.
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Why
Cats Protection names carrots among the few vegetables you can feed a cat, and suggests steamed or boiled vegetables with no butter, salt or seasoning. The RSPCA says cats can only eat carrots raw if chopped into small chunks, otherwise cook them until soft to prevent choking. Cats don't need vegetables, and any plant material can cause vomiting or stomach upset.
What to do
Start with a small piece. If your cat vomits or gets an upset stomach afterwards, stop and ask your vet.
How to give it
Steamed or boiled until soft, or raw only in small chunks. No butter, salt or seasoning.
Questions and answers
Can cats eat raw carrot?
The RSPCA says cats can only eat carrots raw if they are chopped into small chunks; otherwise cook them until soft to prevent choking.
Do cats need vegetables?
No. Cats Protection says cats rarely eat vegetables naturally and there is no need to add them to their diet. A vegetable can only ever be a small extra.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Cats and human foods — Cats Protection
- Christmas dinner: Can cats eat turkey? — Cats Protection blog (1 Dec 2025, RVN Helen Crofts)
- Christmas dangers for pets — RSPCA (no date shown, © 2026)
- The best diet for your cat — PDSA (2024-01)
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — ASPCA Animal Poison Control (no date shown)
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.