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, one of the most common questions we have is “can cats eat cooked turkey breast?”. Turkey is a lean protein that we love to eat, especially around the holidays. It’s only natural that our furry feline friends might want to get in on the action too. But is turkey really safe for cats to eat? Let’s take a closer look.
An Overview of Cats’ Dietary Needs
Cats are obligate carnivores meaning they need meat in their diet to survive. Meat provides cats with crucial nutrients like protein fat, vitamins, and minerals. According to experts, at least 25-30% of a cat’s diet should come from high-quality sources of protein like chicken, beef, fish, and turkey.
Cats also need a moderate amount of fat in their diets, around 15-20% of their daily caloric intake. Fat provides fatty acids that help support skin health and provide energy. Fiber should make up 1-2% of a cat’s diet to support healthy digestion and elimination
While cats don’t technically need carbohydrates they can benefit from around 5-10% in their diet. Limited amounts of carbs can provide energy and important nutrients. But in general a cat’s diet should be focused on high-quality animal protein sources.
The Benefits of Turkey for Cats
Turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein for cats. In its cooked, boneless form, turkey breast is low in fat and calories while still providing essential amino acids cats need.
Some benefits of cooked turkey breast for cats include:
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High-quality protein: Turkey is an complete, high-quality source of protein with all essential amino acids. Cats need protein for strong muscles, organ function, and metabolic processes.
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Low fat: Turkey breast is a lean cut of meat, lower in fat than dark turkey meat. This makes it less likely to cause obesity or digestive issues.
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Rich in nutrients: Turkey contains lots of B vitamins, selenium, zinc, potassium and more – nutrients cats need for good health.
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Low calorie: With fewer calories than red meats, turkey is less likely to lead to weight gain in cats when fed properly.
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Good taste: Most cats love the flavor of turkey! This tasty treat adds variety to their diet.
So when incorporated properly into your cat’s diet, turkey breast can provide great nutritional benefits for your feline friend!
Potential Risks of Feeding Cats Turkey
While turkey breast does offer benefits, there are also some potential risks to consider:
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Choking hazards: Any meat fed to cats poses a choking risk if not cut into properly bite-sized pieces. This goes for turkey breast as well.
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Gastrointestinal upset: Too much turkey could lead to diarrhea or vomiting if your cat has a sensitive stomach. Introduce new foods slowly.
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Allergies: Some cats may be allergic or intolerant to turkey meat. Monitor for signs like itching, ear infections or digestive issues.
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Nutritional imbalance: Too much turkey breast in place of other proteins could create an imbalance in your cat’s diet.
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Raw meat dangers: Raw or undercooked turkey may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella. Always cook turkey thoroughly before feeding to cats.
To enjoy the benefits of turkey breast while avoiding the risks, feed turkey to your cat properly and in moderation. Never feed your cat raw turkey due to bacteria risks.
Feeding Guidelines for Turkey Breast
If you want to share some tasty turkey breast with your feline friend, follow these tips:
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Cook turkey completely until no longer pink and juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
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Remove all bones, skin, fat and seasonings. These can all cause digestive upset or injury.
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Cut the turkey into bite-sized pieces to reduce choking risk. Pieces should be smaller than your cat’s thumbnail.
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Start with very small portions – a few tiny pieces or teaspoons at first. Gradually increase portion sizes while monitoring your cat’s digestion.
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Turkey breast should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. It’s best reserved as an occasional treat.
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Introduce new foods slowly over the span of a week or more. Discontinue if your cat has an allergic reaction or digestive issues.
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Cats with underlying health issues may need to avoid turkey – check with your veterinarian.
By following these tips, you can allow your cat to enjoy cooked turkey breast safely and without tummy troubles! Just be sure to provide the proper portion size for your cat based on their weight and caloric needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats eat cooked turkey breast?
Yes, cats can eat cooked turkey breast in moderation as an occasional treat. Be sure it is thoroughly cooked, boneless, unseasoned, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Start with a very small portion and discontinue if any signs of distress.
Is raw turkey dangerous for cats?
Yes, raw turkey can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella. Always cook turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F before feeding to cats.
Should I avoid giving my cat turkey skin or bones?
Yes, avoid feeding cats turkey bones or skin. Turkey bones can splinter and cause choking/internal injury. Skin is high in fat and may cause pancreatitis.
Can cats eat turkey deli meat?
Occasional nibbles of plain turkey deli meat are fine but avoid honey roasted or seasoned varieties. Check for added nitrates/nitrites and keep portions small due to the high sodium content.
What if my cat is allergic to turkey?
Signs of a turkey allergy include itching, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. Discontinue feeding turkey and consult your veterinarian if an allergy is suspected.
How much turkey can I feed my cat per day?
Turkey breast should not exceed 10% of your cat’s daily caloric needs. For a 10 lb cat, that’s around 2 ounces or 4-5 small pieces per day. Adjust based on your cat’s size and activity level.
The Bottom Line
When fed properly, cooked turkey breast can be a healthy, protein-packed treat for cats. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly, remove all bones and skin, introduce it slowly, and stick to a recommended portion size. Turkey breast offers great taste and nutrition, as long as you follow some basic feeding guidelines to keep your feline companion safe. With some sound precautions, both you and your cat can enjoy a bit of tasty turkey!
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.