Why?
Liver is loaded with nutrients: protein, iron, B vitamins and, above all, vitamin A. That's the catch: cats store extra vitamin A, and liver fed too often over months can cause hypervitaminosis A. It shows up as bony growths around the neck vertebrae and joints, with stiffness, pain and limping. Complete cat foods already contain the right amount.
How much?
A small bite of cooked liver about once a week is plenty. Cook it plain, with no butter, salt, onion or garlic. Don't add it if your cat already gets a vitamin supplement, unless your vet says it's fine.
The risks
- Vitamin A toxicity when fed often
- Long-term neck stiffness, joint pain, limping
- Diarrhea if the portion is too big
- Raw liver: bacteria and parasites
- Recipes with butter, onion or garlic
Your cat ate some: what now?
One serving of liver, even a big one, generally won't cause vitamin A toxicity, which builds up over weeks or months of regular feeding. At worst, expect soft stools: watch for 24 to 48 hours and call your vet for vomiting, lasting diarrhea or lethargy. If your cat ate a lot of liver cooked with onion or garlic, call right away.
Better options
For an everyday treat, go for a small piece of plain cooked chicken, turkey or beef.
Common questions
Can cats eat chicken liver?
Yes, cooked and in small amounts, about a bite once a week. Like all liver, it's very high in vitamin A, so more isn't better.
How much liver is too much for a cat?
There's no single number, since it depends on the cat and the rest of the diet. The safe approach is to keep liver an occasional small bite, not a daily topping, and to ask your vet before making it a regular part of homemade meals.
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.