Why
Cucumber is on VCA's list of fruit and vegetable treats that are fine in moderation, and it is mostly water.
How to serve cucumbers
- Wash, peel and cut into tiny cubes.
- Offer one or two pieces.
Watch out for
- Pickles are not the same: they are salty and often contain garlic.
- Too much can loosen stools.
How much cucumbers can a cat eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a cat's daily calories. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much cucumbers it buys if cucumbers is the only treat that day. Cucumbers has about 15 kcal per 100 g; 0.5 cup slices (52 g) is about 8 kcal.
| Cat size | Daily treat budget | Max cucumbers a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small cat (6 lb) | 18 kcal | 119 g (about 2 0.5 cup slices) |
| Average cat (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 174 g (about 3 0.5 cup slices) |
| Large cat (14 lb) | 34 kcal | 224 g (about 4 0.5 cup slices) |
Less is better for overweight or diabetic cats. Work out your own cat's numbers with the cat food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Cucumber, with peel, raw.
Other vegetables: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Chives | Toxic | No. Chives are an Allium, like onions and garlic. |
| Garlic | Toxic | No. Garlic is in the onion family and is toxic to cats. |
| Leeks | Toxic | No. Leeks are in the onion family and should be kept away from cats. |
| Onions | Toxic | No. Onions damage cats' red blood cells and can cause anemia. |
| Carrots | Safe | Yes, cooked and cut small. Carrots are one of the vegetables vets list as a safe treat. |
| Green beans | Safe | Yes. Plain green beans are on the vet list of safe vegetable treats. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your cat's daily calories . The rest should come from a complete cat food.
- Check labels for onion and garlic powder, which turn up in stock, gravy, baby food and seasoned meat.
- If your cat has a health condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease or a sensitive stomach, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Are cucumbers safe for cats?
Yes. A few small pieces of washed cucumber are a safe, watery treat.
How much cucumbers can a cat have?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a cat's daily calories. For an average 10 lb neutered cat that is about 26 kcal a day, or roughly 174 g of cucumbers if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals, "Can You Feed Pets Certain Fruits and Veggies?"
- Pet Nutrition Alliance, "Calculating Calories Based on Pet Needs"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.