Can cats eat Plain rice?
Yes. A small amount of plain cooked rice is safe and is sometimes recommended alongside plain chicken for cats with upset stomachs.
What's the full picture?
Plain white rice (boiled, no salt, no butter) is digestible and non-toxic. It's commonly used mixed with plain cooked chicken as a bland diet for cats recovering from mild GI upset.
Rice is not nutritionally essential for cats (they're obligate carnivores) — it's a bulk ingredient, not a daily food.
Questions owners ask
How much rice for an upset stomach?
Roughly one part rice to two parts plain cooked chicken, given as small portions over 24–48 hours. If symptoms persist, call your vet.
Related
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for UK cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team