Why only in moderation for cats
Cooked rice is not toxic to cats and is easy to digest. Some cat foods contain it as a source of carbohydrate.
Still, a cat is a carnivore: it needs meat protein and nutrients that rice does not have. Rice adds calories but does not replace meat, so it can only be a small, occasional extra. The rice must have no salt, seasoning, onion or garlic. All treats and extras together should make up only a small part of what a cat eats in a day.
How to give it
- Boil the rice in water, with no salt or oil.
- Let it cool and mix it into the usual food.
- Give only a little and only now and then.
What to watch out for
- Rice with onion, garlic or seasoning is not suitable for a cat.
- Too much rice adds calories and crowds out the meat a cat needs.
- Uncooked rice is hard to digest.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Cooked rice
In moderationA little plain rice boiled in water does a cat no harm.
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Uncooked rice
Not safeRaw rice grains are hard to digest, so it is better not to give them to a cat.
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
- Pumpkin Yes, plain cooked pumpkin without sugar or spices is harmless to cats and fine as a small treat. 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
Looking for a treat?
The "Cat treats" category compares prices for 3,876 products across shops. It is a product category, not a recommendation of what to give.