Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course – food With so many delicious dishes on the table, it can be tempting to share a taste with your feline friend But is turkey safe for cats to eat? Can cats have Thanksgiving turkey without getting sick? I did some research and asked a veterinarian to find out.
An Overview of Cats and Turkey
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat in their diet to survive. Turkey can be a healthy source of protein for cats, as long as it is prepared properly. According to veterinarian Dr Jessica Vogelsang, a small amount of plain turkey meat without any bones, skin or seasoning is fine for cats to eat as an occasional treat She recommends avoiding turkey bones, skin, drippings and seasoned stuffing which can cause digestive upset.
When preparing turkey for your cat, be sure to cook it thoroughly and remove all bones, skin, fat and seasonings. Only offer a small amount, about the size of a pea. Too much turkey can lead to weight gain or diarrhea. Stick to lean, white meat and avoid the dark meat which has more fat. Plain turkey breast is best for cats to enjoy as a tasty holiday treat!
Health Benefits of Turkey for Cats
Turkey meat contains lots of great nutrients for cats when given in moderation. Some of the benefits include
-
Protein – Turkey is a high quality source of complete protein, providing essential amino acids cats need.
-
Vitamins and Minerals – Turkey contains vitamins B6 and B12 along with iron, zinc, potassium and phosphorus.
-
Low Fat – White turkey meat is lean and low in fat compared to dark meat. Less fat is healthier for cats.
-
Water Content – Turkey breast is about 70% water, helping to keep cats hydrated.
As long as it’s unseasoned, plain turkey can make a healthy, protein-packed snack for cats. Just be sure to limit the amount to avoid overfeeding.
Risks of Feeding Cats Turkey
While turkey meat is fine for cats, there are some risks to be aware of:
-
Bones – Cooked or raw, bones can splinter and cause choking or internal punctures. Bones should always be avoided.
-
Skin – The fatty skin can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea or pancreatitis. Avoid giving any turkey skin.
-
Seasonings – Onions, garlic and other seasonings/spices can be toxic for cats and should be avoided.
-
Fat – The dark meat and fat drippings can cause vomiting or diarrhea. Stick to lean white meat.
-
Allergies – Some cats may have sensitivities or intolerances to poultry. Discontinue feeding if allergy symptoms appear.
As long as you avoid the bones, skin, fat and seasoning, fresh turkey meat makes a tasty occasional snack for cats. But the risks mean it should only be fed in strict moderation.
How Much Turkey Can Cats Eat?
When portioning turkey for your cat, less is more. Cats have much smaller stomachs than humans, so they only need a tiny taste. The ASPCA recommends limiting treats to no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. For an 8-10 lb cat eating about 240 calories per day, 10% would be just 24 calories per day from treats or people food.
A 3 oz portion of turkey breast meat has around 120 calories, meaning a cat should eat no more than 1-2 nibble sized pieces at Thanksgiving. Any more can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea. Stick to a pea sized amount once or twice a year and avoid making turkey a regular treat.
Signs of Illness From Turkey
Most cats can enjoy a small taste of plain turkey breast at Thanksgiving without issues. But in some cases, turkey can cause illness including:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or lack of appetite
- Gas or abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Pancreatitis
If your cat experiences any of these symptoms after eating turkey, stop feeding it immediately and call your vet. Treatment may include fluids, anti-nausea medication and a bland diet until symptoms resolve.
Other Thanksgiving Foods Cats Can Eat
While turkey is the star of the show, there are other safe holiday foods you can share with your cat:
- Plain mashed potatoes
- Plain shredded meat from chicken breast
- Unseasoned steamed veggies like green beans or carrots
- Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Unsweetened cranberry sauce
- Plain popcorn
Avoid rich gravy, fatty meats, onions, sweets, spices and anything with bones. And always feed holiday foods sparingly, limiting treats to no more than 10% of their daily calories.
Ask Your Vet First
The best advice is to check with your veterinarian before sharing any holiday foods with your feline friend. Some cats may have special dietary needs or sensitivities. Your vet can help you make the healthiest choice about whether or not to feed small amounts of turkey or other table scraps to your cat this Thanksgiving.
The Bottom Line
Can cats have turkey on Thanksgiving? In moderation and prepared properly, a tiny taste of plain turkey meat is fine for most cats. Focus on unseasoned white breast meat. Avoid skin, bones, fat, drippings and seasonings which can cause digestive upset. Be sure to limit the amount to a nibble or two and discontinue feeding if any symptoms occur. Check with your vet to make sure turkey is appropriate for your individual cat before indulging. With some precautions, your cat can safely get in on the Thanksgiving feast!
Which Thanksgiving Foods Are Safe for Kitties?
This Thanksgiving, as you’re preparing the family feast, don’t forget about your favorite feline friends. Foods that people like are safe for cats, but many foods that people like should be kept away from cats.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Cats
Cats respond best to natural foods, cooked for better digestion. These include…
- Apples: Apples are a great way to get vitamins C and K and other good things for you. Never give your cat the seeds or stem of an apple. Instead, cut it into slices or small cubes.
- Fruit salad is a common Thanksgiving dish in some parts of the country. Without bananas, there would be no fruit salad. Cats can also eat them as a safe and healthy snack.
- Bread is fine for cats as long as it’s plain white or wheat bread with no nuts, seeds, or raisins. In fact, only give bread as a treat once in a while because it’s not good for you and eating too much of it makes you gain weight. Also, never give your cat raw yeasted dough, because it can poison it with alcohol.
- Broccoli: Broccoli comes in many forms, but plain steamed or boiled broccoli is one of the best vegetables you can give your cat.
- Fall gourds like pumpkin and squash are usually good for your cat when they are cooked. Mix any kind of squash purée with wet or dry food. Pumpkin pie mix in a can that has already been seasoned should never be given to your cat. Learn how to make homemade pumpkin puree.
- Turkey and chicken: Since cats like to eat meat, turkey and chicken are great lean meats for them to eat. As with anything else that comes off the table, don’t eat too many of these and stay away from the skin, extra fat, and seasonings.
Can Cats Eat Turkey? (2019)
FAQ
Can I give my cat Thanksgiving turkey?
Are cats OK to eat turkey?
Can cats have Thanksgiving dressing?
Can I give my cat Thanksgiving ham?