Can cats eat lettuce?

Why

Lettuce is non-toxic to cats, but their digestive systems are designed for meat, so too much can cause stomach upset or diarrhea. Since cats are obligate carnivores, they do not need vegetables, and the high water content in lettuce can lead to loose stools if overfed.

If you do feed it

• Wash thoroughly to remove pesticides and dirt
• Serve only as a tiny, occasional treat, not a meal replacement
• Chop into very small pieces to prevent choking
• Avoid iceberg lettuce as it has the least nutritional value

Watch out for

• Iceberg lettuce (low nutrition, high water)
• Lettuce with dressings, oils, or seasonings
• Wilted or spoiled leaves
• Pesticides or dirt on unwashed leaves

Better choices