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Can Cats Eat Rice?
Serve small amounts, and not every day.
Is rice safe for cats?
Plain white rice is a bland, easy-to-digest carbohydrate, often recommended by vets for pets with an upset stomach. A small amount of plain, cooked rice is not toxic to cats, but it is a carbohydrate that offers little to a meat-eating animal. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they get what they need from meat and never need rice. If you offer it at all, treat it as a rare, tiny extra.
How to serve rice to your cat
- Cook it plain, with no butter, salt, onion or seasoning
- Let it cool before serving
- Ask your vet about using it as a short-term bland meal if your cat has an upset stomach
What to avoid
- Fried rice and seasoned rice dishes, which often contain onion, garlic or a lot of salt/oil
- Large portions as a regular replacement for a balanced diet
How much rice can my cat have?
Offer just a tiny taste, about a fingernail-sized piece, once in a while. Treats, including rice, 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.
Frequently asked questions
Can kittens eat rice?
Young animals have more sensitive digestive systems and a carefully balanced diet, so check with your vet before adding rice. If you get the go-ahead, start with an even smaller amount than an adult would get.
What if my cat ate too much rice?
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 rice?
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.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Rice?