Yes, cats can eat eggs — and given that cats are obligate carnivores that thrive on animal protein, eggs are actually a particularly good fit. The key requirement is the same as for dogs: cooked, plain, no seasoning.
Why Eggs Are a Good Fit for Cats
Cats require animal protein to survive. Unlike dogs or humans, they can't convert plant-based nutrients into the forms their bodies need — they need preformed animal sources. Eggs check that box thoroughly.
Complete protein. Eggs contain all the essential amino acids cats need, including taurine-adjacent compounds. They're one of the most bioavailable protein sources available, meaning cats absorb and use the nutrients efficiently.
Taurine. Cats cannot synthesize sufficient taurine on their own and must get it from their diet. Eggs contain taurine, though not in the high concentrations found in meat and fish. They contribute but shouldn't be relied on as a primary source.
Vitamin A. Cats, unlike dogs and humans, cannot convert beta-carotene from plants into vitamin A — they need preformed retinol from animal sources. Egg yolks contain preformed vitamin A.
B vitamins. Riboflavin and B12 support energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Healthy fats. The yolk's fat content supports skin and coat health.
Cooked vs. Raw
Always cooked. The reasons are the same as for dogs but arguably more relevant for cats:
Salmonella risk. Raw eggs can carry Salmonella. While cats are generally more resistant to foodborne illness than humans, raw eggs are an unnecessary risk — especially for kittens, senior cats, or cats with compromised immune systems.
Avidin. Raw egg whites contain avidin, which blocks biotin (vitamin B7) absorption. Cats fed raw egg whites regularly can develop biotin deficiency — showing up as skin and coat problems. Cooking destroys avidin entirely.
Plain scrambled or hard boiled are the easiest preparations. No butter, no oil, no salt — just egg.
How Much Egg Can a Cat Have?
Eggs are nutrient-dense and calorie-rich relative to a cat's small daily calorie needs. A full egg (about 70–80 calories) represents a significant portion of an average cat's daily intake of 200–250 calories.
A reasonable portion: one to two tablespoons of cooked egg (roughly a quarter of a scrambled egg) two to three times a week. This gives cats the nutritional benefit without crowding out their balanced complete food.
Eggs work well as a food topper to entice a picky eater or add variety to mealtime.
Can Kittens Eat Eggs?
Yes, in smaller amounts. Kittens have higher protein demands during growth, so cooked egg makes a nutritionally appropriate addition to their diet. Keep portions small — a teaspoon or so — and make sure kitten-specific complete food remains the foundation of their diet.
The Short Version
Eggs are one of the better treats you can give a cat — high-quality animal protein in a form cats are built to use. Scramble or boil them plain, skip raw entirely, and keep portions modest. As an occasional food topper or treat, they're a genuinely good choice.