Why only in moderation for cats
Cats love liver, and it is nourishing: it is rich in protein, iron and vitamins. A small piece of cooked liver now and then does a cat no harm.
The problem is vitamin A. Liver holds a great deal of it, and a cat's body stores the excess. When a cat is given liver all the time or in larger pieces, an excess of vitamin A can build up over time: bony growths form along the spine and joints, the cat turns stiff, moving hurts and it stops grooming. These changes develop slowly and can be permanent.
How to give it
- Boil the liver with no salt or seasoning.
- Give only a small piece, and only now and then, not every day.
- Do not give liver pâté made for people.
What to watch out for
- Liver given all the time causes an excess of vitamin A, which makes bony growths form along the spine and joints.
- Vitamin A excess develops slowly: the cat turns stiff, avoids moving and stops grooming.
- A larger piece can cause diarrhoea.
- Raw liver can carry bacteria and parasites.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
-
Raw liver
Not safeIt can carry bacteria and parasites, so cook the liver first.
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Liver pâté
Not safePâté made for people can contain salt, spices and onion.
What to give instead
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning is one of the best treats you can give a cat. Safe
- Beef Yes, well-cooked lean beef without seasoning is a good treat for a cat; just trim off the fat and take out any bones. Safe
- Eggs Yes, a well-cooked egg, boiled or cooked without fat, is fine for a cat, but it is better not to give a raw egg. Safe
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