Can cats eat liver?
Also called: chicken liver, beef liver, lamb liver, organ meat
Caution
Cooked liver can be a treat, but too much causes vitamin A poisoning.
As an occasional cooked treat only. Liver is rich in vitamin A, and diets with a lot of liver can cause vitamin A poisoning, especially in growing kittens.
When it's a problem
- Feeding only liver can cause vitamin A toxicity.
- It happens more often in cats, especially kittens fed a diet high in liver.
Keep in mind
- Cooked, plain and occasional.
Where this comes from
ASPCA
For cats, cooked fish and meats such as liver can be great, healthy treats your furry friend will go nuts for.
Read "Healthy, Safe Snacks to Help Your Pet Slim Down"
Checked 9 October 2026
Merck Veterinary Manual
Feeding only liver can induce vitamin A toxicity in both dogs and cats.
Read "Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA
For cats, cooked fish and meats such as liver can be great, healthy treats your furry friend will go nuts for.
Read "Healthy, Safe Snacks to Help Your Pet Slim Down"
Checked 9 October 2026
Merck Veterinary Manual
Feeding only liver can induce vitamin A toxicity in both dogs and cats.
In cats, vitamin A toxicity is more commonly seen and can occur when growing kittens are fed a diet high in liver.
Read "Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Merck Veterinary Manual
Feeding only liver can induce vitamin A toxicity in both dogs and cats.
Read "Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Merck Veterinary Manual
In cats, vitamin A toxicity is more commonly seen and can occur when growing kittens are fed a diet high in liver.
Read "Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA
For cats, cooked fish and meats such as liver can be great, healthy treats your furry friend will go nuts for.
Read "Healthy, Safe Snacks to Help Your Pet Slim Down"
Checked 9 October 2026
VCA Animal Hospitals
treats should be limited to 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
Checked 9 October 2026