Can cats eat peas?
Yes, a few plain peas are fine as an occasional treat. Cats Protection and the ASPCA both name peas as a vegetable you can offer a cat, and the RSPCA says cats should only have a small amount as a treat.
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Why
Cats Protection lists peas among the few vegetables you can feed a cat and suggests steamed or boiled vegetables with no butter, salt or seasoning. The ASPCA suggests peas for cats, and the RSPCA says cats can have plain peas but only a small amount as a treat. 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
A few plain peas, steamed or boiled, with no butter, salt or seasoning.
Questions and answers
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)
- Healthy, Safe Snacks to Help Your Pet Slim Down — ASPCA (2017-01-10, no author shown)
- 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.