Can Cats Eat Chicken? A Complete Guide for Cat Owners
If you're a cat owner, you've probably wondered whether it's safe to share some chicken with your feline friend. The short answer is yes—cats can eat chicken, but there are important guidelines to follow to keep your pet safe and healthy.
Understanding Feline Nutrition
Cats are obligate carnivores. This means their bodies require animal-based protein to thrive. Chicken is a popular protein source for both commercial cat foods and homemade treats. However, not all forms of chicken are created equal when it comes to feline nutrition.
The Right Way to Feed Chicken to Cats
- Cooked Chicken Only: Always serve chicken that’s thoroughly cooked. Raw or undercooked poultry may harbor bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause serious illness in cats.
- No Bones or Skin: Remove all bones before serving. Chicken bones (cooked or raw) can splinter easily and pose choking hazards or cause intestinal injuries. Skin should also be removed as it adds unnecessary fat.
- No Seasonings or Additives: Don’t add spices, oils, or flavorings. Ingredients such as garlic and onions are toxic to cats—even in small amounts.
Plain, unseasoned chicken is best. Fried chicken and chicken nuggets are off-limits due to high fat content and breading.
How Much Chicken Is Safe?
Treat chicken as a supplement—not the main course. For adult cats (over six months), up to two tablespoons of plain cooked chicken per day is generally considered safe. Kittens should have no more than one or two teaspoons daily. This ensures they still get all essential nutrients from their regular food.
- Chicken should never make up more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake.
Feeding too much chicken (or only chicken) can lead to nutritional deficiencies—especially in taurine, calcium, and essential fatty acids.
Canned Chicken: Is It Safe?
Canned chicken can be offered occasionally if it's plain and well rinsed to remove excess salt. However, canned varieties often contain high sodium levels and additives that aren’t ideal for regular feeding.
Chicken Broth for Cats
A little homemade broth (without salt or spices) can help with hydration. Commercial broths usually have too much salt or potentially harmful ingredients—stick with homemade if you want to try this treat.
The Risks of Raw Chicken
The idea of feeding raw meat may appeal because wild cats eat raw prey. However, raw chicken carries risks of bacterial and parasitic infections such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, or Toxoplasma. If you’re considering raw feeding:
- Use only high-quality, human-grade meat.
- Practice strict food safety protocols.
- Consult your veterinarian first.
Commercially prepared raw diets tested for safety may be less risky than homemade versions—but cooked diets remain safer overall.
Bones: Always a No-Go
No matter how you prepare it—never give your cat chicken bones. Even small fragments can cause choking or severe internal injuries.
Other Safe Proteins & Foods for Cats
- Tender turkey or beef (plain & cooked)
- Select fish (occasionally; watch mercury levels)
Cats may also enjoy small amounts of cooked eggs, plain yogurt or cottage cheese (if tolerated), and some veggies like cucumber or steamed green beans—but these aren’t necessary for their diet since cats don’t require plant foods for nutrition.
Dangers: Foods Cats Should Avoid
- Raw/undercooked meat & eggs
- Deli meats/processed meats (ham, sausage)
- Foods high in salt/spices
- Onions/garlic/chives (toxic!)
- Bread dough/alcohol/xylitol-containing products
Certain foods like chocolate, grapes/raisins, macadamia nuts also pose serious health risks for cats.
Treats Are Just That—Treats!
A high-quality commercial cat food provides balanced nutrition tailored for feline needs. Plain cooked chicken makes an occasional treat but shouldn’t become a staple meal replacement. Introduce new foods gradually; watch out for digestive upset (vomiting/diarrhea) or allergic reactions like lethargy—and always consult your vet before making significant diet changes.
