Can Cats Eat Eggs? Yes, Fully Cooked and Plain

Why cooked egg is safe for cats

Cornell's Feline Health Center explains that cats are obligate carnivores, relying on nutrients found in animal products, and the ASPCA notes that taurine, which cats must get from their diet, comes from foods of animal origin such as meat, eggs and fish. Cooked egg is protein and fat with almost no carbohydrate, which suits how cats are built.

That does not make egg a meal. A complete cat food is formulated to supply every nutrient a cat needs in the right balance, and egg on its own is not. Think of egg as a treat that sits on top of a complete diet.

Why raw and undercooked egg is a problem

Raw and undercooked eggs can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can make cats ill and can spread to people who handle their bowls. VCA's holiday safety guidance specifically says to cook eggs thoroughly for this reason.

Raw egg white also contains avidin, which binds biotin, a B vitamin, and stops it being absorbed. The ASPCA notes this can lead to skin and coat problems over time. Cooking destroys avidin, so a fully set white and yolk removes both concerns at once.

How to prepare egg for your cat

Hard-boiling is the simplest method: boil the egg for 10 to 12 minutes until the yolk is solid, cool it, peel it, and chop a small amount finely. Scrambled egg works too, cooked in a dry nonstick pan with no butter, oil, milk, cheese, salt or pepper until no wet patches remain.

Serve it at room temperature, chopped into pieces smaller than a pea, either on its own or mixed into a little of your cat's usual food. Throw away anything left after an hour, and never share a seasoned omelet or deviled egg, which can contain onion, chives or garlic.

A feeding mat under a ceramic bowl keeps any shared food in one place and easy to clean up.

How much egg a cat can have

Cornell suggests treats stay under 10 to 15 percent of a cat's daily calories, and a whole egg is far too much for one cat. For an average 8 to 10 lb adult, about one to two teaspoons of chopped cooked egg is a reasonable treat; smaller cats should get a little less.

Offer it once or twice a week rather than daily. Egg is calorie-dense for a cat's size, and regular extras can push an indoor cat toward weight gain. If your cat has kidney disease or another condition that affects diet, ask your vet first.

Can kittens eat eggs?

Weaned kittens can taste a very small amount of fully cooked, plain egg, but there is no need to add it. Kittens grow fast and need the precise balance of a complete kitten food, and filling up on extras can crowd that out.

If you do offer some, give a crumb-sized piece once, then watch for vomiting or loose stools over the next day. Never give kittens raw egg, and do not use egg as a substitute for kitten milk replacer or kitten food.

Signs egg disagreed with your cat, and when to call the vet

A cat that does not tolerate egg usually shows it within a few hours to a day, with vomiting, diarrhea or a reduced appetite. Some cats have food allergies that show up instead as itchy skin, over-grooming or scabs around the head and neck over the following weeks.

Call your vet the same day if vomiting or diarrhea continues past 24 hours, if your cat stops eating, hides, or seems lethargic, or if a cat that ate raw egg develops fever, vomiting and diarrhea. A cat that has not eaten for a day or more should always be seen.

Other protein treats for cats

Small pieces of plain cooked chicken or turkey, with no skin, bones or seasoning, are the other easy protein treats most cats accept. Plain cooked white fish without bones works occasionally, and commercial cat treats are formulated with feline nutrition in mind.

Keep milk and cream off the list: Cornell notes many cats are lactose intolerant. Onion, garlic and chives are more dangerous to cats than to dogs, so avoid any egg dish or leftovers made with them.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.