Can cats eat turkey? When you eat a turkey sandwich, your meat-loving cat is probably eager for a bite. The same goes for turkey casseroles or soups. But is it safe for cats to eat turkey?
You probably see that turkey is one of the ingredients in cat food. So you probably think the answer is “yes.” But if you want to feed your cat a turkey, that is meant for people. Read on to find out when giving our furry four-legged friends turkey is not a good idea.
Can Cats Have Turkey?
So, can cat eat turkey? Cats can eat turkey, yes. Cats are “obligate carnivores,” meaning they must eat meat. Simple-cooked turkey meat is a tasty treat for cats, and as long as it’s not given to them too often or in large amounts, it’s usually safe for them to eat. But don’t add any of the usual seasonings; cook the meat as simply as possible to avoid digestive problems.
It’s also important to know that pre-cooked and some raw turkey may already have seasonings and preservatives that could harm your cat. So read the label and cook the turkey before giving it to your cat. And only give them a small amount. Remember that complete and balanced cat food should make up 90% of your cat’s diet, and treats like turkey shouldn’t make up more than 10%.
Before giving your cat turkey meat, it’s also a good idea to check with your veterinarian. They will be able to give you the best advice about how often and in what way to give turkey.
What To Avoid While Feeding Turkey To Cats?
Cats can eat turkey, but there are a few situations in which giving them turkey could be bad for their health.
Don’t give your cat turkey that has been seasoned while it is cooking. When making turkey for your cat, don’t add any seasoning, as this can be dangerous for your cat. If you think your cat ate too much salt or another seasoning, call your vet immediately and watch for signs like excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, and even seizures in the worst cases.
Don’t give too much turkey skin to your cat. Even though cats can eat turkey, the skin is high in fat and shouldn’t be given to them or only in very small amounts because it can upset their stomachs. Also, it’s best to stay away from high-fat foods if your cat is overweight or has other health problems.
Give your cat no turkey bones. Raw or cooked, cats shouldn’t eat turkey bones or any other bones for that matter. Bones can easily break into pieces that can hurt the mouth, throat, or even the intestines. Before giving your cat turkey meat, you should always take out all of the bones.
Related: CAN CATS EAT POTATOES?
FAQs: Can Cats Eat Turkey
Can Cats Eat Raw Turkey?
We would never recommend giving your cat a raw food diet because raw food can contain bacteria that could make your cat very sick or even kill it.
Can I Feed My Cat Cooked Turkey?
Turkey should always be cooked for cats. Even though people talk a lot about whether pets should eat raw or cooked food, the safest thing for both pets and people to do is to only eat cooked turkey. Raw meat might have bacteria in it that can make you & your pets very sick.
Why Can’t Cats Have Turkey?
Even though cats can eat turkey, the skin is high in fat and shouldn’t be given to them or only in very small amounts because it can upset their stomachs. Also, it’s best to stay away from high-fat foods if your cat is overweight or has other health problems.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.
