Kale

Q: Can cats eat Kale? — CatToxic

Caution: Very small amounts only — isothiocyanates and oxidative risk. Kale contains isothiocyanates that can cause oxidative damage to feline red blood cells, potentially leading to Heinz body anemia — the same mechanism as allium toxicity. While a small piece of kale is unlikely to harm a healthy cat, it is not an ideal food and should not be fed regularly. Cats with kidney disease should avoid it entirely.

Q: Symptoms to watch for

gas and GI discomfort, vomiting (larger amounts), pale gums (Heinz body anemia with regular feeding)

Caution

Verdict

Very small amounts only — isothiocyanates and oxidative risk.

Toxic principle: isothiocyanates, oxalates

Source: ASPCA

Verdict

Kale contains isothiocyanates that can cause oxidative damage to feline red blood cells, potentially leading to Heinz body anemia — the same mechanism as allium toxicity. While a small piece of kale is unlikely to harm a healthy cat, it is not an ideal food and should not be fed regularly. Cats with kidney disease should avoid it entirely.

Symptoms to watch for

• gas and GI discomfort
• vomiting (larger amounts)
• pale gums (Heinz body anemia with regular feeding)

What to do

Occasional small amounts are unlikely to cause problems, but do not include kale as a regular part of a cat's diet.

Related foods

Onion

Dangerous

Never — extremely toxic to cats. Far more dangerous than for dogs.

Vegetables

Garlic

Dangerous

Never — 5× more concentrated than onion. Extremely toxic to cats.

Vegetables

Chives

Dangerous

Never — allium family, toxic to cats.

Vegetables

Leek

Dangerous

Never — allium family, highly toxic to cats.

Vegetables

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