Why?
Eggs provide high-quality protein and amino acids that suit a carnivore like your cat. Cooking is essential: it kills salmonella and neutralizes avidin, a protein in egg white that blocks the absorption of biotin. The yolk is high in fat, which is why small portions are the way to go.
How much?
A small piece of hard-boiled egg or a tablespoon of scrambled egg, once or twice a week. Cook it with no butter, oil, salt or milk, and cut it into small pieces. A whole egg is a lot of calories for a cat.
The risks
- Undercooked or runny egg: salmonella risk
- Salt, butter, milk or onion added while cooking
- Weight gain if given too often
- Rare egg allergy: itching, stomach upset
Your cat ate some: what now?
If your cat ate a little plain cooked egg, there's nothing to worry about. If they ate a lot, or a seasoned dish like an onion omelet, watch for vomiting and diarrhea over 24 to 48 hours. Call your vet if those show up or if the dish contained onion or garlic.
Better options
Other simple proteins make great treats too: plain cooked chicken, turkey or fish. Cat treats are the most convenient option.
Common questions
Can cats eat scrambled eggs?
Yes, as long as they're fully cooked and made without butter, milk, salt or cheese. Make a small batch just for your cat in a nonstick pan and let it cool.
Can cats eat eggshells?
There's no need if your cat eats a complete diet. Shell fragments can be sharp, and the outside of a raw egg can carry salmonella. Finely ground shell is only used as a calcium source in home-cooked diets designed with a vet.
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.