Can Cats Eat Arugula?
By Pettings · Sources checked Nov 2, 2026
Cats can eat small amounts of plain arugula, raw or wilted, washed and torn into small pieces. Arugula, also called rocket, is a tender salad green that is mostly water and very low in calories. A cat that likes to chew greens can have a few leaves as long as they come without dressing or toppings.
What Arugula Offers a Cat
Arugula is mostly water, with a little fiber and some vitamins and minerals. The Cornell Feline Health Center explains that cats are obligate carnivores that rely on nutrients found in animal products. A complete cat food covers what a cat needs, so arugula does not add anything that is missing. It is a peppery, leafy nibble for cats that enjoy greens, and many cats will not touch it because of the sharp taste.
Tufts Petfoodology notes that the fiber in vegetables is variable and typically low, so arugula is not a fix for hairballs or constipation. Large leaves swallowed whole can come back up, which is one more reason to tear them small.
How Much Arugula Can a Cat Have?
WSAVA says treats should be less than 10% of daily calories, about 22 to 25 calories a day for a 10-pound adult cat. Two or three small arugula leaves add only a few calories, far below that limit. Even so, count them as part of the day's food rather than a reason for extra snacks.
Start with one leaf. Some cats vomit after eating greens, and a large amount can loosen stool. Kittens, seniors, and cats with diabetes, kidney disease, urinary stones, pancreatitis, or food allergies should have treats chosen with their veterinarian.
How to Serve It
Wash arugula well under running water, since salad greens can carry soil and grit. Tear the leaves into small pieces. Baby arugula is softer than mature leaves and easier for a cat to chew. You can serve it raw or wilt it briefly in a pan with a little water, but there is no need to cook it.
Keep it plain. Arugula salads usually come with olive oil, vinegar, salt, parmesan, nuts, or onion. The ASPCA lists onions and garlic as able to damage a cat's red blood cells and warns that excessive salt can cause increased thirst and urination. Arugula pesto is out too, since it typically contains garlic, cheese, and nuts. Arugula from pizza toppings or sandwiches is likely to carry oil and seasoning.
If your cat has a medical condition or eats a special diet, ask your veterinarian before offering arugula.
Common Questions
Can cats eat arugula salad?
No, do not share arugula salad with your cat. Plain arugula leaves are fine, but salads come with oil, vinegar, salt, cheese, and sometimes onion or garlic. The ASPCA lists onions and garlic as able to damage a cat's red blood cells. If your cat ate salad with onion or garlic in it, call your veterinarian for advice.
Why does my cat eat arugula?
Some cats enjoy chewing fresh greens, and arugula's tender leaves are easy to bite. Cats are obligate carnivores, as the Cornell Feline Health Center explains, so a cat chewing arugula is not missing a nutrient. A few torn leaves now and then are fine. Watch for vomiting, which can happen when cats swallow larger pieces of leafy greens.
Can kittens eat arugula?
Kittens can chew a tiny torn piece of washed arugula, but they do not need it. A kitten's small stomach should be filled with complete kitten food that supports growth. The peppery taste puts many kittens off anyway. Keep it to a scrap or two, and stop if the kitten vomits or gets loose stool.
Can cats eat arugula pesto?
No, arugula pesto is not for cats. Pesto usually contains garlic, cheese, nuts, salt, and a lot of oil. The ASPCA lists garlic as able to damage a cat's red blood cells, and says the oils and fats in nuts can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in some pets. If your cat ate pesto, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Is arugula good for cats with constipation?
Arugula is not a useful treatment for constipation in cats. It is mostly water with a little fiber, and Tufts Petfoodology notes that the fiber in vegetables is variable and typically low. A constipated cat may need more water, a diet change, or medical care. Call your veterinarian if your cat is straining or has not passed stool in a couple of days.