Can cats eat nettle?
Quick verdict
In moderation
Recommended amount
A small amount of cooked or dried nettle occasionally.
Why
Cats can have a tiny taste of cooked or dried nettle but gain little benefit.
Can cats eat nettle, and why?
Cats can have a tiny taste of cooked or dried nettle but gain little benefit.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
How to feed nettle to cats
- •How much: A small amount of cooked or dried nettle occasionally.
- •How often: An occasional treat, not a daily food. Any treat should be occasional and tiny — no more than about 10% of daily calories — and never replace a balanced cat food.
- •Young pets: Kittens have sensitive digestion and high growth needs, so introduce new foods cautiously and ask your vet.
- •Preparation: Always wash fresh produce, remove any pips, stones, seeds, peel or tough skin where relevant, and serve it plain — never with salt, sugar, oil, butter or seasoning.
More foods cats might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding cats well:
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat nettle?
In moderation. Cats can have a tiny taste of cooked or dried nettle but gain little benefit.
How much nettle can a cat have?
A small amount of cooked or dried nettle occasionally.
Can cats eat nettle every day?
It’s best as an occasional treat rather than a daily food. Any treat should be occasional and tiny — no more than about 10% of daily calories — and never replace a balanced cat food.
Can kittens eat nettle?
Kittens have sensitive digestion and high growth needs, so introduce new foods cautiously and ask your vet.
Check nettle for another pet