Can Cats Eat Turkey Slices? A Complete Guide for Cat Owners

Turkey is a lean, protein-rich meat that many pet owners love to eat. Naturally, when you’re enjoying a tasty turkey sandwich or leftovers from a roast turkey dinner, your curious kitty wants a bite too. But is it safe for cats to eat turkey meant for human consumption? Specifically, what about deli turkey slices?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at whether cats can eat turkey slices from the deli counter. We’ll discuss the potential benefits and risks, proper portion sizes, and tips for the safest ways to feed this tasty treat to your feline friend.

An Overview of Cats and Turkey

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat in their diet to thrive Animal-based proteins like turkey contain essential amino acids that cats cannot synthesize on their own

Many commercial cat foods contain turkey as a nutritious ingredient. Turkey provides high-quality protein as well as important vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fatty acids that cats need. So it makes sense that fresh turkey can also provide health benefits when offered occasionally as a treat or meal additive.

Turkey can be a tasty snack that encourages picky cats to eat. The moisture in deli turkey may also help cats stay hydrated, especially senior cats who don’t drink enough water.

However, there are some potential risks with feeding deli turkey that cat owners should keep in mind.

Potential Benefits of Turkey for Cats

Here are some of the main benefits turkey can offer cats:

• High-Quality Protein – Turkey is a complete, lean protein containing all of the essential amino acids required in a cat’s diet. Protein supports muscle growth and maintenance, immunity, tissue repair, and energy.

• Healthy Fat Source – The white breast meat of turkey provides a lean source of fat compared to fattier meats. Cats need dietary fat for energy, skin/coat health, vitamin absorption, etc.

• Vital Nutrients – Turkey contains important vitamins like B vitamins and selenium, as well as minerals such as zinc and phosphorus. It offers more nutrients than plain meat-flavored treats.

• Moisture Content – Deli turkey can provide extra hydration for cats who don’t drink enough water on their own. Wet food also works well for this.

• Palatability – Many cats love the flavor of turkey. It makes an appetizing treat, pill pocket, or meal topper for picky eaters or cats needing to gain weight.

Potential Risks of Feeding Deli Turkey

While deli turkey can provide benefits, there are also some potential risks to consider:

• Fat Content – Some turkey slices are quite high in fat, especially if skin is attached. This can lead to weight gain or pancreatitis.

• Sodium Content – Deli meats often contain added salt/sodium. Excess sodium is harmful to cats, leading to hypertension, urinary issues, and stomach upset.

• Preservatives – Deli turkey may contain nitrates, nitrites, sulfites, phosphates, etc. to extend shelf life. These may cause adverse reactions in some cats.

• Seasonings – Flavored turkey slices contain onions, garlic, spices, or other ingredients toxic to cats. Only plain turkey should be fed.

• Bacteria Risk – Deli meats have caused Listeria outbreaks in humans. Cats can pass Listeria bacteria to people through feces. Proper handling is key.

• Medical Conditions – Some cats should avoid deli meats entirely if they have certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or food allergies.

Tips for Safely Feeding Deli Turkey to Cats

If you want to share some of your daily deli turkey sandwich with your cat, follow these tips to do so safely:

• Read Labels Carefully – Select turkey slices with the lowest fat, sodium, and shortest ingredient list. Avoid any flavors, seasonings, onion, garlic, etc.

• Practice Portion Control – Treats should be no more than 10-15% of your cat’s daily calories. For a 10 lb cat, that’s about 16-24 calories per day or 1 thin slice of turkey.

• Avoid Fatty Parts – Do not feed the turkey skin, which is very high in fat. Only feed lean turkey breast meat.

• Ensure Freshness – Only choose fresh turkey slices properly refrigerated. Discard any leftovers after 2 days. Do not feed expired turkey.

• Cook Thoroughly – Make sure any raw or pre-cooked turkey is heated to 165°F to kill bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria.

• Remove Bones – Never feed bones, which can injure mouths, throats, or digestive tracts.

• Feed Occasionally – Turkey should only be an occasional treat, not a daily meal. It lacks complete nutrition on its own.

• Monitor Reactions – If your cat vomits, has diarrhea, or shows signs of an allergy after eating turkey, do not give it again.

• Ask Your Vet First – Consult your vet before feeding deli counter turkey, especially for cats with health issues.

What About Raw Turkey?

Raw turkey meant for humans often contains dangerous bacteria like Salmonella. Unless approved by your vet for specialized diets, cats should never eat raw turkey.

Make sure any raw turkey is cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F before feeding. Leftover cooked turkey is a safer choice.

Healthier Turkey Options for Cats

While the occasional slice of plain deli turkey is fine, there are even healthier ways to feed turkey:

• Canned or Dry Cat Food – Look for high-quality cat foods with turkey as the first ingredient, minimally processed. Wellness CORE and Blue Buffalo offer great recipes.

• Dehydrated Turkey Cat Treats – 100% dehydrated turkey or turkey blended into crunchy cat treats offer more balanced nutrition than deli meat.

• Plain Cooked Turkey – Simply roasted, baked, or boiled turkey breast with no skin, seasonings, bones or fat makes an ideal treat. Shred for easy eating.

• Turkey Baby Food – Select brands with turkey as the sole ingredient. Well-cooked, pureed turkey provides a smooth, palatable treat.

The Bottom Line

In moderation, plain deli turkey can make a fine occasional treat for most cats. However, it’s important to choose products wisely and follow proper safety precautions. For everyday meals and treats, cat foods and cat treats containing high-quality turkey are better options for optimal nutrition.

As always, consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food or treat to your cat’s diet. With some common sense, your kitty can enjoy a taste of turkey safely!