Can Cats Eat Cooked Turkey? A Nutritious Treat Your Cat Will Love

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.

As cat owners, we want to make sure we are providing our feline friends with a diet that is nutritious, balanced, and delicious Around the holidays, when turkey is often the centerpiece of big family meals, it’s natural to wonder – can cats eat cooked turkey? Is it safe? Will my cat like it?

The good news is that cats can absolutely eat cooked turkey, as long as it is prepared properly. In fact, turkey can be a very healthy treat for cats in moderation. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about feeding cooked turkey to cats.

An Overview of Cats and Turkey

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diet to thrive. Animal-based proteins like turkey provide cats with essential amino acids they need. Since turkey is a lean, low-fat meat, it makes an excellent occasional treat for cats.

Both white and dark turkey meat are safe for cats to eat. Dark meat contains slightly more fat and calories but is also higher in vitamins and minerals. Turkey skin should always be avoided, as the high fat content can cause stomach upset.

Turkey bones pose a choking hazard and can splinter during digestion, causing potential injury So be sure to remove all bones before treating your cat to turkey

Health Benefits of Turkey for Cats

Turkey is packed with nutrition for cats. Some of the many health benefits include:

High-quality protein to build muscle and tissues
Essential fatty acids for skin and coat health
B vitamins for metabolic function
Selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium
Low in calories to help maintain an ideal weight
Low fat content compared to other meats

The amino acid tryptophan in turkey may also have calming effects on some cats. But the treat would need to be a large portion for any significant drowsiness, which is not recommended.

Feeding Guidelines: How Much Turkey Can Cats Eat?

When introducing any new food to your cat’s diet, it’s best to start slowly with small portions. Feed only cooked, unseasoned turkey so you know there are no unwanted ingredients.

For an occasional treat, aim for a piece about the size of your thumbnail, 1-2 times per week. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.

If turkey is part of your cat’s regular diet, consult your veterinarian on the appropriate portion size. Things like your cat’s weight, age, and activity level determine their unique nutritional needs.

Monitor your cat after feeding turkey to ensure they do not experience any vomiting, diarrhea, or other adverse effects. Some cats may discover they do not tolerate turkey well. Discontinue feeding if any symptoms develop.

Tips for Safely Feeding Your Cat Turkey

Follow these simple tips for safely sharing turkey with your feline friend:

Choose cooked, plain turkey – roasted, baked, boiled or broiled. Avoid raw, fried, or processed turkey.
Always remove skin,fat, bones, stuffing, gravy or any seasonings before feeding to your cat.
Cut turkey into bite-sized pieces to reduce choking hazard.
Make sure turkey is cooled to a safe temperature before feeding.
Store any leftovers promptly in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days.
Introduce turkey slowly and in small amounts to monitor for any intolerances.
Feed turkey in moderation along with your cat’s nutritionally balanced main diet.
Avoid feeding deli turkey or turkey bones, skin, fat or seasoned scraps from the table.
Seek veterinary advice if your cat experiences any concerning symptoms after eating turkey.

As long as you take precautions to feed it safely, turkey can be a healthy, protein-packed snack or meal ingredient for your cat. During the holidays when turkey is plentiful, your cat may appreciate this tasty meat just as much as you do!

can cats eat cooked turkey

Can Cats Eat Turkey Bacon?

Turkey itself is a healthy treat for cats, but turkey bacon is not so healthy for them. Although it isn’t toxic to cats, it is loaded with salt, preservatives, and fat. Over time, eating a lot of turkey bacon can lead to hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and other health issues. While you can indulge kitty with some plain, cooked turkey, skip the turkey bacon.

Should Cats Eat Raw or Cooked Turkey?

Cats should always be fed cooked turkey. Despite the debates on raw food versus cooked foods for pets, the safe option for pets and people is to only eat cooked turkey.

Raw meat may contain bacteria, which can make you and your pets extremely sick. This is why you should use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables when you cook. Pets that are fed bacteria-containing raw meats can become ill and transmit the illness to people, which is not worth the risk.

Can Cats Eat Turkey? (2019)

FAQ

Can cats eat cooked turkey meat?

It’s important to remember that only plain, simply-cooked turkey, preferably breast meat, should be offered to your cat. They shouldn’t eat any of the fatty bits, skin or seasoned areas, especially when the seasonings include onion and garlic, and only a minimal amount of dark meat or unseasoned giblets.

Can I give my cat Thanksgiving turkey?

Turkey breast is safe (but skin and bones are not). A small amount of unseasoned white meat such as turkey breast is a great treat for both dogs and cats, but ensure you steer clear of turkey skin and bones. Turkey skin is very high in fat, which can cause life-threatening pancreatitis in both dogs and cats.

Which is better for cats, chicken or turkey?

While both types of meat are undeniably good for your cat, chicken is a tad closer to being the perfect food (it’s also more affordable than turkey, which is a bonus). Turkey can make for a healthy snack and a lovely Christmas dinner, but when it comes to day-to-day meals, chicken is the more sensible option.

Is turkey good for cats with sensitive stomachs?

Look for easy-to-digest protein sources like chicken, turkey, and low-fat fish. Quality ingredients matter too. If you have a cat with a sensitive stomach, finding food without a lot of extra fillers, additives, preservatives, and by-products can help reduce symptoms.

Can cats eat turkey?

It is highly unlikely that feeding a cat this amount of turkey will make them sleepy just from the tryptophan. It might be that your cat is just taking a nice nap on a full stomach after having a meal and then a little turkey snack. Should Cats Eat Raw or Cooked Turkey? Cats should always be fed cooked 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 turkey skin?

Fat: Don’t feed your cat turkey skin. This part of the bird is high in fat and can upset your cat’s digestion and can lead to weight gain. Deep-Fried: While deep-fried turkey is a delicious occasional treat, it is not a healthy way to consume turkey meat due to the amount of fat it contains..

Can cats eat deep fried turkey?

When served with the skin, deep-fried turkey contains far too much fat for cats to consume regularly. Rotisserie preparations are relatively high in sodium. Also, deli meats are usually high in salt and frequently contain preservatives such as sodium nitrates, which aren’t great for humans or cats.