Why?
Lettuce is almost entirely water, with a little fiber and very few calories. It contains nothing known to be toxic to cats, and some enjoy chewing it like grass. The real danger is what goes on top: dressings often contain garlic, onion or shallot, and mixed salads add croutons, cheese, bacon or onion.
How much?
A few small pieces of washed, plain leaf, once in a while. Darker leaves like romaine have a bit more fiber than iceberg, which is mostly water.
The risks
- Diarrhea if your cat eats a lot
- Dressings with garlic, onion or shallot, which are toxic
- Pesticides or dirt on poorly washed leaves
- Mixed salads with onion, croutons, cheese or bacon
Your cat ate some: what now?
A bit of plain lettuce is no problem: just watch your cat's stools for 24 to 48 hours and call your vet if diarrhea sets in. If the salad had a dressing with garlic, onion or shallot, call your vet right away.
Better options
If your cat chews lettuce for fun, a pot of cat grass offers the same thing in a more suitable form. For a fresh bite, a cube of cucumber works too.
Common questions
Why does my cat eat lettuce?
Many cats like chewing tender leaves, much as they would grass. Nobody knows exactly why, but it's common behavior. If it comes with frequent vomiting, talk to your vet.
Can cats eat Caesar salad?
No. Caesar dressing usually contains garlic, anchovies and parmesan, so it's garlicky, salty and fatty, and croutons add more salt. Offer a plain piece of romaine instead.
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.