Vegetables
Can cats eat carrots?
Cooked, plain carrots are safe. Raw chunks are a choking risk.
Portion: 1–2 teaspoons of mashed or finely chopped carrot, occasionally.
The short answer
Yes. Carrots are non-toxic to cats. Serve them cooked (steamed or boiled until soft) and chopped small, because raw carrot is hard and a real choking hazard. Cats can't convert the beta-carotene in carrots into vitamin A like we can, so there's little nutritional benefit. Think of carrot as a low-calorie novelty.
Why the verdict
Unlike dogs and humans, cats lack enough of the enzyme needed to turn beta-carotene into vitamin A, so they must get vitamin A from animal tissue. Carrots add fibre and water but little else for a cat. Hard raw pieces can lodge in the throat.
How to prepare it
- Steam or boil until soft.
- Chop or mash into small pieces.
- No butter, salt or glaze.
- Avoid raw sticks or baby carrots.
Signs of trouble
- Choking or gagging (raw pieces)
- Loose stool
Carrots & cats: FAQ
Can cats eat raw carrots?
Not recommended. They're hard and can cause choking. Cook them soft.
Do carrots give cats vitamin A?
No. Cats can't convert beta-carotene efficiently and need preformed vitamin A from meat.
Can cats eat carrot cake?
No. It's sugary and may contain raisins, nuts and cream-cheese frosting.
Related foods
See every food that’s toxic to cats →
Sources
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat (accessed 2026-09-29)
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals (accessed 2026-09-29)
Last updated 2026-09-29. We are not veterinarians: this guide summarises published veterinary references and is not a substitute for advice from your vet. See our methodology and disclaimer.