Can Cats Eat Pasta?

Yes, in moderation

Serve small amounts, and not every day.

Is pasta safe for cats?

Pasta is a dough made mainly from wheat, boiled and served with a wide range of sauces. A small piece of plain, cooked pasta is not toxic to cats, but it offers little value for a meat-eating animal. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they get what they need from meat and never need pasta. If you offer it at all, treat it as a rare, tiny extra.

How to serve pasta to your cat

Serve it plain, cooked and cooled, with no sauce
Offer a small amount as an occasional extra, not a meal
Choose whole-grain pasta over heavily processed varieties if giving it regularly

What to avoid

Sauces containing garlic, onion, excess salt or cheese
Large portions, which add unnecessary carbohydrates
Raw pasta, which is hard to digest

How much pasta can my cat have?

Offer just a tiny taste, about a fingernail-sized piece, once in a while. Treats, including pasta, should stay under about 10% of your cat's daily calories.

Signs your cat may be having a problem

Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your cat has eaten any of the parts listed above.

Emergency? Call your vet or an animal poison hotline straight away: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (US numbers, a consultation fee may apply).

Frequently asked questions

Can kittens eat pasta?

Young animals have more sensitive digestive systems and a carefully balanced diet, so check with your vet before adding pasta. If you get the go-ahead, start with an even smaller amount than an adult would get.

What if my cat ate too much pasta?

The most common result is an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. Offer water, skip further treats, and call your vet if symptoms are severe or last more than a day, or if your cat ate any of the parts listed under "What to avoid".

How often can my cat have pasta?

Treat it as an occasional extra rather than a daily food. Once or twice a week at most is a sensible starting point for a healthy adult cat, and less for small ones.