If you want to try feeding cats vegetables like carrots, start slow.
Introduce any new food in moderation and observe how your cat reacts. Some cats eat vegetables without issue, while others may not show interest due to their unique taste receptors.
Never use carrots as a meal replacement. Instead, offer them as an occasional treat or mix a few pieces with their regular cat food. Pet parents curious about other cat-vegetable interactions might also try green beans, peas or spinach in moderation.
Skip the carrot cake and carrot juice, which often contain added sugars and ingredients that aren’t safe for cats. Stick to steamed or boiled carrot slices if you insist on giving your cat carrots.
So yes, cats eat carrots — but only if they want to, and only when the preparation is safe. While many cats may nibble on veggies out of curiosity, their primary fuel should always come from protein-rich meat.
Carrots contain natural sugars and carbohydrates that may not be suitable pets dealing with feline diabetes or weight management; they should be given cautiously and only in small amounts to cats with such conditions, and they should never replace your cat’s primary food source.
As always, consult your vet before adding anything new to your cat’s diet, especially if your pet has health problems or special dietary needs.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
