Can cats eat liver?
Not as a home treat. Liver is very rich in vitamin A, and cats fed raw liver or a diet high in liver can develop vitamin A poisoning. Liver in a complete, balanced cat food is fine.
Updated:
Why
VCA says vitamin A poisoning most commonly occurs when pets are fed raw liver or vitamin A-rich supplements over weeks to months. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that in cats it can occur when growing kittens are fed a diet high in liver, and that feeding only liver can cause it. VCA recommends a commercially prepared, balanced diet instead.
Signs to watch for
- Poor or rough coat
- Dry skin
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Painful or limited movement
- Vomiting or drowsiness after a very large amount
What to do
Vitamin A poisoning usually builds up over weeks to months, so don't feed liver regularly at home. If your cat has been eating a lot of liver and you notice a rough coat, weight loss, weakness or painful movement, talk to your vet.
Questions and answers
My cat food lists liver. Is that a problem?
No. Liver is a common ingredient in canned cat foods, and a complete, balanced cat food is what vets recommend.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Vitamin A Poisoning in Cats — VCA Animal Hospitals / Pet Poison Helpline authors (updated 2026-09-11)
- Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual (S. L. Sanderson; reviewed 2023-11, updated 2024-09)
- Feeding Your Cat — Cornell Feline Health Center (updated 2026-04-30)
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.