Why?
Asparagus provides fiber and lots of water, but nothing a cat really needs. The stalk gets tough and fibrous toward the bottom, so stick to the well-cooked tip. Don't confuse it with asparagus fern, a common houseplant: its berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and repeated contact with the plant can irritate the skin.
How much?
One or two cooked asparagus tips, sliced into small rounds, once in a while. No butter, salt or hollandaise.
The risks
- Tough, fibrous stalks that can cause choking
- Soft stools or gas if your cat eats too much
- Hollandaise or butter sauces, which are too fatty
- Mix-ups with asparagus fern, which is toxic
Your cat ate some: what now?
A piece of cooked asparagus is no problem. If your cat swallowed a big piece of tough stalk, watch it for 24 to 48 hours and call your vet if it gags, vomits repeatedly or loses its appetite. If it chewed the berries of an asparagus fern, call your vet too.
Better options
Cooked green beans and broccoli are just as easy to share. And for a houseplant your cat can safely chew, cat grass is the best option.
Common questions
Is asparagus fern toxic to cats?
Yes. Asparagus fern can cause vomiting and diarrhea if a cat eats the berries, and skin irritation from contact. Keep it out of reach.
Can cats eat raw asparagus?
It isn't toxic, but raw asparagus is hard and stringy. Cooked and cut small, it's much safer.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.