Can Cats Eat Eggs?

By the Animal Wellness Desk · Facts last checked October 21, 2026 · General information, not a vet visit

Yes, cats can eat eggs, but with important exceptions. A small amount of fully cooked, plain egg can be an occasional addition to a cat’s regular diet. However, raw or undercooked eggs pose health risks and should not be offered. Eggs should only be considered a minor supplement to a cat’s main meals.

Cats are obligate carnivores with specific nutritional needs that must be met by a complete and balanced cat food. Extras like egg should only be a small part of their overall diet to ensure they receive the proper nutrients for their health.

Eggs and cats: the facts in one table

Verdict	Only plain, small amounts, with care
How to offer it	Fully cooked, plain, scrambled or hard-boiled, a small amount
Remove or avoid	Raw or undercooked eggs Eggs cooked with butter, salt, onion, garlic or cheese
Main risks	ASPCA: raw eggs can carry Salmonella and E. coli, and contain an enzyme that can interfere with absorption of certain vitamins Cats are obligate carnivores: they need a complete and balanced cat food, and extras should stay a small part of the diet (Cornell).
Signs to watch	Vomiting, diarrhea or a sore belly after eating too much

What makes eggs tricky for cats

The main concerns with eggs involve how they are prepared. Raw eggs can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause illness. The ASPCA also notes that raw eggs contain an enzyme that may interfere with a cat’s ability to absorb certain vitamins. For these reasons, offering raw or undercooked egg is not recommended.

Even when cooked, eggs prepared for humans can contain ingredients that are harmful to cats. Additives like butter, salt, onion, or garlic are unsuitable for felines. It is always important to read ingredient labels on any prepared foods and only offer plain, unseasoned egg to a cat.

How to offer eggs safely, and what to leave out

If you choose to give your cat egg, it must be fully cooked and plain. You can prepare it by scrambling or hard-boiling it without any other ingredients. After it cools, you can offer a small piece. Always introduce any new food slowly and in a very small amount to see how your cat reacts.

You should always avoid or remove the following:

Raw or undercooked eggs in any form.
Eggs cooked with butter, oil, or salt.
Dishes containing eggs mixed with other ingredients like cheese, onions, or garlic.

Supervise your cat when offering a new food. Keep any unprepared eggs or dishes with harmful ingredients well out of your pet’s reach.

When to skip eggs altogether

Some cats should not be given eggs, even as an occasional extra. If your cat has a sensitive stomach, a history of dietary-related health issues, or known food allergies, it is best to stick to their regular veterinarian-approved diet. Adding new foods can sometimes cause digestive upset.

Because eggs are an extra, they add calories without the balanced nutrition of a formulated cat food. For cats that need to maintain a specific weight or are on a therapeutic diet for a health condition, it is best to avoid offering eggs or other supplemental foods. Always consult your veterinarian before adding anything new to your cat’s meal plan.

When to call your vet

Most cats who eat a little plain eggs need nothing more than watching. Call your vet if anything below shows up, or if your cat has a health condition or is on a special diet.

If your cat eats raw egg or eggs cooked with harmful ingredients like onion or garlic, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for guidance. You should also call your vet if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, or a sore belly after your cat eats any amount of egg. Be prepared to tell them what your cat ate, how much, and when it happened.

Emergency signs: go now

Collapse, fainting or severe weakness
Seizures, tremors or trouble standing
Trouble breathing or blue, gray or very pale gums
Repeated vomiting or retching, or a swollen, painful belly
Any known contact with a substance listed as toxic, even before signs appear

Book an appointment soon

Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts or keeps coming back
Not eating or drinking, or drinking much more than usual
Drooling, pawing at the mouth or a swollen face
Lethargy, hiding or acting unlike themselves

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Your own vet or nearest emergency clinic is always a good first call.

Sources

Last checked October 21, 2026. Listings and guidance can change; your veterinarian knows your pet’s health history.