Does your feline companion enjoy assisting you in the kitchen? Perhaps she likes to help you cook by jumping up on the counter while you’re chopping raw chicken or meowing nonstop as the dish bakes.
She may even be nibbling on the bread from your sandwich’s other end.
Chicken is a favorite among cats, even the pickiest ones. If you’re a conscientious pet owner, you’ve probably googled “can cats eat chicken?” to find out the answer. In what ways is it risky?
Let’s clear up the confusion over whether or not this delicious meat is safe for your pet to eat.
Can Cats Eat Chicken?
Chicken is safe for cats to eat. Public Goods’ Organic Dry Cat Food is just one of many premium cat foods that features chicken as an ingredient.
However, there are some things to keep in mind before introducing this tasty treat into your cat’s diet.
As a first rule, never feed your cat scraps from the table. The seasoning on your chicken is probably just right, at least in terms of how it tastes and how it makes you feel.
Even though they must eat meat to survive, cats should not be fed any foods that contain spices or oils. They do best on lean, cooked, and unsalted animal protein. Because of this, you should provide them with mostly cat food.
Boiling chicken is a safe option for preparing cat food. Below, we’ll discuss additional methods by which you can provide your pet with chicken.
Health Benefits of Chicken
It’s a high compliment to hear that someone’s dish “tastes like chicken.” Chicken breast is a healthy option because it is high in protein and low in fat and sodium. Chicken is a staple for many athletes because it aids in lean muscle development and keeps athletes full while they train.
Minerals and vitamins can be found in other food sources as well. Vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium (which is great for your immune system), all found in abundance in chicken.
Chicken is beneficial for your bones and teeth in addition to helping you maintain a healthy weight and build muscle. Chicken’s phosphorus content does more than just support bone health; it also helps keep your organs like your liver, kidneys, and brain functioning normally.
Can Cats Eat Chicken?
Chicken can be safe for cats to eat if it is cooked in the right way. Animal protein is essential for cats because they are carnivores, says Dr. Gary Richter, owner of Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, California, and medical director of Holistic Veterinary Care, in an interview with Rover. Animal by-products should make up the bulk of a cat’s diet.
Chicken is safe in moderation, but PetMD advises against making it the sole protein source for your pet. To avoid giving your cat an upset stomach, it’s best if the food is as “naked” as possible. It has been advised by experts that plain chicken be boiled until it is fully cooked and that cats not be fed any extra fat trimmings, as this can cause pancreatitis.
If you cook your chicken with onions or garlic, leave out those seasonings before giving it to your cat.
Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken?
The topic of giving your cat raw chicken has been discussed online numerous times. However, there is a good reason why raw meat is on the ASPCA’s list of toxic foods. Both you and your cat can get sick from eating raw chicken due to the risk of Salmonella and E. coli. Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease, and other infectious diseases may also be caused by it.
Cats in the wild may eat birds, but because of the risks involved, you should never feed your cat raw chicken.
Can Cats Eat Chicken Bones?
Although it’s easy to imagine cats gnawing on the bones like their ancestors did, the ASPCA actually classifies bones as a potentially toxic food item. This is due to the fact that bones frequently present a choking hazard. When cats eat birds or fish, the small bones can sometimes become stuck in their throats or puncture their stomachs.
Alternative Healthy Snacks
Alternate treats can be tried, but only in small quantities. Cats are known to be picky eaters who don’t take kindly to changes in their diet or feeding schedule. According to PetMD, these are some human foods that are safe for cats to try:
- Simple, perfectly cooked meat like chicken, beef, or turkey
- Brown rice and barley are examples of whole grains.
- Zucchini
- Celery (the crunchy is a big hit!)
- Carrots
- Overeasy eggs
- Chili peppers
- Vitamin A, C, and K-Rich Spinach!
- Peas (a nutrient-rich ingredient common in many commercially prepared cat and dog foods)
- Pumpkin (Pumpkin is commonly fed to cats to increase their fiber intake)
- Broccoli
Even if they are protein-rich, veterinarians recommend that treats make up no more than 10–15% of your pet’s total daily calories. According to Dr. Richter, “the vast majority of what cats eat should be a balanced diet.” “In general, treats are not balanced, and they shouldn’t constitute a major part of their daily intake,” the article reads.
While trying new foods with your cat can be fun for you and your pet, you should never give your cat human food in place of its regular meals. Well-balanced cat food contains all the nutrients your cat needs. Enjoy your munchies!
How to Cook Chicken for Your Cat: 3 Methods
Get some chicken that hasn’t been boned first. The breast or thigh cuts are equally acceptable. Trimmings can cause pancreatitis, so be sure to do so.
Boiling Chicken
Even if the thought of boiled chicken doesn’t appeal to you, your cat will be drawn to the aroma.
Put some water on to boil in a medium saucepan. Throw in some chicken. Keep the chicken at a rolling boil for 15 minutes, or until it is fully cooked. Chicken should be firm and white, not gelatinous and pink; if in doubt, cut the thickest section and examine it.
After an hour or so, take the chicken out of the water and put it somewhere cool to let it cool down completely.
Your cat will have an easier time chewing and digesting food that has been diced into small pieces. On special occasions, give her half an ounce to a whole chicken.
Oven-Baked Chicken
Is your kitty particularly fond of tender chicken fillets?
Chicken always comes out juicy and tender after being baked in the oven. The best part is that it’s quick and clean.
Initiate oven preheating at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cover a baking sheet with foil to prevent it from getting dirty. This will prevent your cat’s meal from becoming contaminated with leftover oils.
When the oven is ready, place the chicken on the foil and bake it uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. Slice the thickest part to ensure it’s cooked all the way through.
Don’t touch anything until it’s cooled down to room temperature. Do not add any seasonings. Serve in bite-sized chunks.
Canned Chicken
Canned chicken is convenient because it is ready to eat. The annoying part is that some brands of canned chicken have excessive amounts of sodium. Is it true that cats can eat canned chicken?
Yes, but make sure you check the label for the sodium content.
Your cat will purr with delight at the sound of the can opener if you can find canned chicken with low or no sodium.
The can can be opened, the water drained, and chopping can begin. Cut the canned chicken into small cubes for your cat even though it is softer than freshly cooked chicken.
Don’t season the chicken like you would with the other methods. It’s already got the extra meaty flavor your cat craves.
Chicken and Cats: A Love Story
You and your feline companion can finally share a chicken dinner without fear of injury. Her food should be well-cooked but unsalted. A revitalized affection for her human friend will ensure her continued joy and health.