Can Cats Eat Cabbage? Vet-Approved Safety Guide, Risks & Benefits (2026)

Can Cats Eat Cabbage?

Yes — cats can eat cabbage in small, cooked amounts, and it’s considered non-toxic. Cabbage offers fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that can provide mild digestive benefits.

However, cabbage should only be an occasional treat, never a daily food. Raw cabbage and cabbage cooked with spices can cause digestive upset, gas, and stomach discomfort.

This complete guide explains whether cabbage is safe, its benefits and risks, how much to give your cat, the best way to prepare it, and when to avoid it. You can also read our full list of vegetables your cat can eat which are safe and which are unsafe

Is Cabbage Safe for Cats?

Cabbage is safe for most healthy cats when cooked plain and served in tiny portions. But not all cats will tolerate it well.

Safe for Cats

• Cooked cabbage
• Boiled or steamed cabbage
• Plain, soft, chopped cabbage
• Small amounts mixed with wet food

Not Safe or Not Recommended

• Raw cabbage
• Cabbage cooked with salt, spices, garlic, onion, oil
• Fermented cabbage (kimchi, sauerkraut)
• Large pieces or thick crunchy stalks

Cats must only eat plain & soft cabbage to avoid choking and digestive issues. Similar to how raw broccoli is unsafe

Do Cats Like Cabbage?

Some cats do — especially the ones who enjoy crunchy veggies or nibble on houseplants. Others will completely ignore cabbage.

Why some cats enjoy it:

• Curiosity
• Warm, soft texture
• Smell from cooking
• They see YOU eating it

Cats don’t crave vegetables naturally, because they are obligate carnivores. So if your cat doesn’t show interest, that’s perfectly fine.

Nutritional Value of Cabbage (For Humans vs. Cats)

Cabbage is rich in:

• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6
• Fiber
• Folate
• Antioxidants (especially in red cabbage)

These nutrients support immunity and digestion in humans.
Cats, however, get essential nutrients from animal-based sources, so cabbage is optional, not necessary.

Benefits of Cabbage for Cats

When fed correctly, cabbage may offer a few gentle benefits.

1. Digestive Support

Cooked cabbage contains fiber that may help:

• Mild constipation
• Irregular digestion
• Hairball movement

However, too much fiber leads to gas — so moderation is important.

2. Antioxidants

Cabbage contains antioxidants that support:

• Cell protection
• Immune system health
• Anti-inflammatory benefits

Red cabbage is especially rich in antioxidants.

3. Low-Calorie Treat

Cabbage is low in calories and can be a healthier alternative to many cat treats.

4. Hydration

Cabbage has a high water content, which can help cats who drink less water.

These are optional benefits — cabbage should never replace meat-based nutrition.

Risks of Feeding Cabbage to Cats

Even though cabbage is non-toxic, it can cause problems if fed incorrectly.

1. Gas and Stomach Upset

Cabbage is known to cause:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Flatulence
• Stomach cramps

Cats have sensitive digestive systems, so this is a common side effect.

2. Goitrogens (Thyroid Risk)

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that contains goitrogens, which may interfere with thyroid function if eaten in large amounts.

This is rare — but avoid cabbage entirely in cats with:

• Thyroid disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Any hormonal issues

3. Choking Hazard

Large or crunchy pieces can get stuck in a cat’s throat.

4. Seasonings Are Dangerous

Never feed cabbage made with:

• Garlic or onion (toxic)
• Salt
• Vinegar
• Oil
• Spices
• Sauces

Cats must eat cabbage plain only.

5. Raw Cabbage Contains More Fiber

Raw cabbage is harder to digest and more likely to cause stomach upset.

How Much Cabbage Can Cats Eat?

Cats should only eat tiny amounts of cooked cabbage.

Safe Serving Size

• 1–2 teaspoons cooked cabbage
• Soft, finely chopped
• Once a week or less

Avoid:

• Large servings
• Daily cabbage
• Raw cabbage
• Cabbage stalks

Cabbage should make up <1–2% of your cat’s diet.

How to Prepare Cabbage for Cats?

Step 1: Wash thoroughly

Removes pesticides and dirt.

Step 2: Boil or steam

Cook until soft and easy to mash with a fork.

Step 3: Remove hard stalks

Stalks are tough and pose a choking risk.

Step 4: Chop finely

Tiny pieces are safest.

Step 5: Serve plain

No spices, salt, oil, or sauce.

Step 6: Start with a tiny piece

Observe for:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Gas
• Changes in behavior

If any occur, stop feeding cabbage.

Can Cats Eat Raw Cabbage?

Not recommended.

Raw cabbage:

• Is hard to digest
• Contains higher levels of goitrogens
• Causes gas
• Can be a choking hazard

Always cook cabbage before feeding it to your cat.

Can Cats Eat Red Cabbage?

Yes — but again, only cooked and in small amounts.
Red cabbage has more antioxidants but also slightly more fiber.

Start with a very small amount.

Can Kittens Eat Cabbage?

No.
Kittens have very sensitive stomachs and require only protein-rich kitten food. Avoid all vegetables for kittens under 6 months.

Cats Who Should Not Eat Cabbage

Avoid cabbage if your cat has:

• Thyroid issues
• Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
• IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
• Chronic diarrhea
• Excessive gas
• Digestive sensitivity

These cats may react poorly to cruciferous vegetables.

Healthy Alternatives to Cabbage

If you want safer treats, choose foods closer to a cat’s natural diet:

• Cooked chicken
• Freeze-dried salmon
• Tuna flakes
• Boiled egg (tiny amount)
• Pumpkin (for digestion)
• Catnip

These are more biologically appropriate treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Can Cats Eat Cabbage?

Yes — cooked cabbage in very small quantities is safe for most cats.
It offers fiber, hydration, and antioxidants but can also cause gas and digestive upset if overeaten.

Cabbage should always be:

• Cooked
• Plain
• Soft
• Served in tiny portions

And it should never replace your cat’s main meat-based diet.