a comma before "etc."

[pinkie9]

I saw a website that says a comma is necessary before "etc." (e.g. Cats, dogs, birds, etc.) but it is not necessary when only one item has been mentioned. (Cats etc.)
I'd like to make sure if this "not necessary" means "incorrect to put a comma" or "not necessarily necessary but you can put a comma".

Is it incorrect to put a comma before "etc." when only one item has been mentioned? (Cats, etc.)
Or, are "Cats etc." and "Cats, etc." both okay?

Thank you.

 

[Nehushtan]

Re: A comma before “etc”

I think it’s optional. You can put a comma there, but you don’t have to.

 

[pinkie9]

Re: A comma before “etc”

Both in BrE and AmE?

 

[5jj]

Re: A comma before “etc”

In BrE we don't actually worry too much about this.

 

[pinkie9]

Re: A comma before “etc”

Thank you. How about AmE?

 

[SoothingDave]

Re: A comma before “etc”

I don't speak for all of America, but it looks odd to me without a comma.