Meats & proteins
Can cats eat liver?
Nutritious in small amounts, but too much causes vitamin A toxicity.
Portion: About a teaspoon, no more than once or twice a week.
The short answer
Yes, in small amounts. Cooked chicken or beef liver is rich in protein, iron and vitamin A, and many cats love it. But liver is so concentrated in vitamin A that feeding it often, or in large amounts, can cause hypervitaminosis A. This painful condition causes abnormal bone growth, especially along the neck and front legs. Keep liver to a small, occasional treat.
Why the verdict
Cats need preformed vitamin A from animal tissue, and liver is the richest source. Excess vitamin A builds up in the body and causes bone spurs and fused joints, particularly in the cervical spine, which leads to stiffness and pain. It develops over months of regular feeding.
How to prepare it
- Cook thoroughly: boil or bake plain.
- No onion, garlic or seasoning (for example, liver and onions).
- Chop into small pieces.
- Occasional only, never daily.
Signs of trouble
- Diarrhoea (short term)
- Long-term overfeeding: neck stiffness, limping, reluctance to groom, pain when touched
Liver & cats: FAQ
How much liver can a cat eat?
About a teaspoon once or twice a week as a treat. More than that, fed regularly, risks vitamin A toxicity.
Can cats eat raw liver?
Raw liver carries bacterial risk. Cooked is safer for cats and the people handling it.
Are freeze-dried liver treats okay?
Yes, sparingly. They're concentrated, so a couple of small pieces is plenty.
Related foods
See every food that’s toxic to cats →
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals (accessed 2026-09-29)
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat (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.