Can I let my cat try a bit of the soft, cooked celery from my homemade chicken soup?

Yes, a small piece of plain, cooked celery is safe for your cat to try. Make sure it's completely cooled and free of any onions, garlic, salt, or other seasonings commonly found in soup. The soft texture from cooking reduces any choking risk, but you should still cut it into a tiny, manageable piece. It's a low-calorie snack, but remember that cats don't need vegetables, so this should be a very rare treat. Watch to ensure your cat swallows it without issue.