Have you ever walked away from your turkey sandwich for a second, and then come back to find the turkey missing and your cat licking their lips?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they are designed to eat and process meat. So it’s no wonder why so many cats love turkey or any other meat, and why animal protein is the main ingredient in almost every cat food recipe.
But can cats eat all kinds of turkey, like turkey lunch meat or turkey scraps from your meal? Is it healthy for them? Here’s what you need to know about turkey for cats.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning meat is an essential part of their diet. As pet parents, it’s our responsibility to provide them with proper nutrition So when the holidays roll around and we’re prepping our Thanksgiving turkey, it’s natural to wonder – can cats eat cooked turkey breast?
The short answer is yes, cats can eat cooked turkey in moderation. Turkey breast meat, without skin or bones, makes a tasty and nutritious occasional treat for your cat. Let’s discuss the benefits of turkey for cats, how much to feed them, and the best practices for preparing and serving turkey safely.
Why Is Turkey Good For Cats?
Turkey breast meat is an excellent source of lean protein for cats. It contains less fat and fewer calories than dark turkey meat. The protein in turkey supports strong muscles and tissues, and keeps your cat feeling full between meals.
Turkey breast is packed with vitamins and minerals that benefit feline health
- Vitamin B6 aids metabolism and immune function.
- Niacin (vitamin B3) supports digestion.
- Selenium, zinc, and magnesium boost immunity.
- Phosphorus keeps bones strong.
- Potassium regulates fluid balance.
The amino acid tryptophan in turkey may also have calming effects on some cats, potentially making them sleepy. However, the tiny amounts cats eat as treats are unlikely to cause drowsiness on their own.
How Much Turkey Can Cats Eat?
While turkey makes a tasty treat, too much can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or pancreatitis. Treats should comprise only 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. For most cats, a 1 inch cube of turkey breast 1-2 times per week is sufficient. Always monitor your cat for signs of digestive issues after introducing new foods.
Cats with medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity may need to avoid turkey due to its fat content. Consult your veterinarian about appropriate snack foods for cats with health problems.
Can Cats Eat Raw Turkey?
No. Cats should not eat raw turkey due to the risk of salmonella or campylobacter bacteria. Always cook turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it cool completely before serving to your cat.
Should Cats Eat Turkey Bones, Skin or Fat?
Never feed your cat turkey bones, which can splinter and cause internal injuries. The skin should also be avoided because it’s very high in fat. Excessive fat consumption can lead to pancreatitis and other conditions. Your cat doesn’t need turkey drippings or pan juices either.
Plain lean turkey meat with all bones, skin, and fat removed is the safest choice. White meat turkey breast is ideal.
Tips For Preparing Turkey for Cats:
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Choose plain, unseasoned turkey breast meat with no additives or spices. Onions, garlic, salt, butter, and other flavorings can be toxic for cats.
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Cook the turkey thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This kills any potential bacteria.
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Let the cooked turkey cool completely before handling it. Cats should not eat hot turkey as it may burn their mouth.
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Dice the turkey into bite-sized pieces for your cat. Remove all bones, skin, fat, and seasonings. Discard any meat that came into contact with stuffing or gravy.
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Refrigerate leftover turkey in an airtight container for no more than 3 days. Discard any turkey that smells bad or looks slimy.
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Warm up refrigerated turkey before serving. Cats prefer their food at room temperature.
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Introduce new foods slowly. Give your cat just a taste at first to check for signs of intolerance. Increase portion size gradually over a week.
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If your cat shows signs of an allergic reaction like vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation, stop feeding turkey immediately and call your vet.
With proper preparation and moderation, cooked turkey breast can be a healthy and delicious treat for cats. This holiday season, feel free to reward your feline friend with a bite of the tasty bird! Just be sure to avoid bones, skin, fat, and seasonings for their safety. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about incorporating turkey into your cat’s diet.
Can Cats Have Turkey Bones or Skin?
When you share turkey with your kitty, remove all of the turkey skin as well as the bones. Turkey skin is very high in fat and could result in an upset tummy or a more serious case of pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis).
Turkey bones should always be avoided. Since bird bones are hollow, they are also very fragile. This means that they can splinter easily, which can cause injuries in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Sometimes bones and bone fragments can cut or poke holes in the intestines and neighboring organs. For this reason, it is extremely important to be sure that no bones are present in any turkey that you feed your pets.
How Much Turkey Can Cats Eat?
Although turkey is a healthy treat for cats, treats are only healthy in moderation. On a day-to-day basis, treats should total no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories. You probably don’t count your cat’s calories, but 10% is not very much at all. Restrict your kitty to a helping the size of your top thumb joint, and only offer it if your cat is healthy and has no health problems.
If your cat gets into some turkey on their own and has eaten a lot, or you’re concerned that the turkey had spices, skin, or bones in it, contact your veterinarian for a consultation.
Can cats eat deli turkey breast?
FAQ
How much turkey breast can I give my cat?
How to cook turkey breast for a cat?
Can cats eat processed turkey breast?
Can I give my cat Thanksgiving turkey?
Can cats eat turkey breast?
Turkey meat should be fully cooked with no raw parts, as raw meat can harbor bacteria. While turkey itself is not toxic to cats, the skin, fat, bones, and seasonings often present risks. To safely feed turkey to cats, stick to a few bites of plain roasted or boiled turkey breast a couple times a week. Can Cats Eat Turkey?
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
Can cats eat baked turkey?
They can, but only if it’s prepared in a feline-friendly way! Cats can safely have a bit of plain baked turkey if it’s free of gravy and other toppings. There are several ways to make tasty (and healthy) turkey treats for your cat. To make a yummy treat for your cat, throw a small portion of turkey in the oven and let it bake until done.
Can cats eat turkey breast with skin removed?
Turkey breast with the skin removed is safe for cats to eat. However, cooking fats and seasonings as well as turkey bones or other ingredients can be risky. Therefore, you should only offer plain, grilled, or boiled turkey breast without bones or skin.