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Can Cats Eat Chicken Broth?

⚠️ In Moderation
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just ate something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
Homemade, onion-free chicken broth is fine; most store-bought cartons are not.

Why it’s a sometimes-food

Plain broth is mostly water with a little gelatin and flavor, and it is a popular trick for coaxing cats to drink more. The trap is the carton: commercial broths and bouillon almost always contain onion or garlic powder plus heavy sodium, and both are dangerous for cats.

How to serve it safely

Simmer plain chicken in water at home, or buy a pet-specific broth with a short, allium-free ingredient list. Offer a spoonful poured over food.

Warning signs to watch for

After seasoned broth: vomiting, drooling and increased thirst; onion or garlic powder can cause pale gums, weakness and dark urine over the following days.

When to call the vet

Call your vet if a cat drinks store-bought broth listing onion or garlic powder, even without symptoms.

Common questions

Is canned chicken broth okay?

Usually not. Read the label — onion powder and salt appear in nearly every standard carton and bouillon cube.

More foods for cats

Salmon✅ SafeYes, when fully cooked and unseasoned. Salmon is a nutritious fish most cats enjoy.Tuna⚠️ In ModerationOccasional small amounts only — tuna should be a treat, never a meal.Cow’s Milk🚫 Not RecommendedBetter to skip it. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and milk gives them stomach upset.Garlic☠️ ToxicNo. Garlic is poisonous to cats — even more potent per gram than onion.Cooked Eggs✅ SafeYes, fully cooked and plain. Eggs are a protein-rich treat cats usually enjoy.Cheese⚠️ In ModerationSmall bites are usually fine, but many cats cannot digest dairy well.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away.