Have you ever put down your turkey sandwich for a moment, then picked it back up only to discover your cat licking its lips and the turkey gone?
Because they are obligate carnivores, cats are made to consume and digest meat. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that so many cats adore turkey or any other type of meat and that animal protein is the primary component of nearly all cat food recipes.
Here’s what you need to know about turkey for cats. Can cats eat any kind of turkey, such as lunch meat or leftovers from your meal? Is it healthy for them?
Sharing Thanksgiving leftovers with your furry friend can be tempting, but it’s crucial to understand which foods are safe for cats. Turkey bones, in particular, pose a significant risk to your cat’s health and should be avoided at all costs. This comprehensive guide will delve into the dangers of turkey bones for cats, explain why they are harmful, and offer safe alternatives to satisfy your cat’s cravings.
The Dangers of Turkey Bones for Cats
Turkey bones, especially the long, thin ones, can splinter easily when chewed. These sharp fragments can cause severe internal injuries to your cat, including:
- Choking: Large bone fragments can lodge in your cat’s throat, obstructing their airway and leading to suffocation.
- Internal bleeding: Splintered bones can puncture the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, causing internal bleeding and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Gastrointestinal blockage: Bone fragments can become lodged in the digestive tract, causing blockages that require surgical intervention.
- Peritonitis: If a bone punctures the intestines, bacteria can leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis, a serious and potentially fatal infection.
Why Turkey Bones are More Dangerous than Other Bones
Turkey bones are particularly dangerous for cats due to their unique structure. They are long, thin, and brittle, making them more prone to splintering than other types of bones. Additionally, cooked bones are more likely to splinter than raw bones.
Symptoms of a Cat Choking on a Bone
If you suspect your cat has swallowed a turkey bone, it’s crucial to act quickly. Look for the following symptoms:
- Gagging or coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooling excessively
- Pawing at the mouth
- Blue gums
- Loss of consciousness
What to Do if Your Cat Has Swallowed a Turkey Bone
If you suspect your cat has swallowed a turkey bone, immediately contact your veterinarian. Do not induce vomiting or try to remove the bone yourself, as this could worsen the situation Your veterinarian will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, which may include X-rays, endoscopy, or surgery
Safe Alternatives to Turkey Bones
There are many safe and healthy alternatives to turkey bones that you can offer your cat. These include:
- Commercial cat treats: Look for treats specifically designed for cats, as they are formulated to be safe and digestible.
- Rawhide chews: Rawhide chews can provide your cat with hours of entertainment and help satisfy their chewing instincts. However, supervise your cat while they chew on rawhide to prevent choking.
- Catnip toys: Catnip toys are a great way to keep your cat entertained and engaged.
- Homemade treats: You can make your own cat treats using safe ingredients like tuna, chicken, or pumpkin.
While it may be tempting to share your Thanksgiving leftovers with your cat, it’s important to remember that turkey bones are extremely dangerous for them. By understanding the risks and offering safe alternatives, you can keep your feline friend safe and healthy. Always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s health or diet.
Additional Resources
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-diet-nutrition/can-cats-eat-turkey-bones
- International Cat Care: https://icatcare.org/advice/can-cats-eat-turkey/
- The Spruce Pets: https://www.thesprucepets.com/can-cats-eat-turkey-bones-555743
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How to Safely Feed Your Cat Turkey
Cats can be fed turkey in a number of ways. If your cat really loves turkey, you might want to feed them one of the commercial pet foods that are available. This is the greatest method to ensure that your cat has a well-balanced diet and still enjoys turkey flavor.
The best option for sharing with your cat is to use plain cooked turkey. It can be dark meat, ground turkey, or breast meat that has been baked, boiled, broiled, or cooked in another way—deep-frying it, however, contains excessive amounts of fat. Do not add any spices or seasonings. Cooking your own turkey and reading the labels when purchasing raw meat are the best options because some seasonings in pre-cooked or even raw turkeys can cause illness in your cat.
Take off the skin and bones, cook the turkey through, then allow it to cool before sharing a tiny piece (roughly the size of an inch cube) no more than once a day. You can crumble this snack and give it to your cat straight, add it to their meal, or put it in an exercise food toy.
Featured : iStock.com/Denis Valakhanovich
Sandra Mitchell is a New York State College of Veterinary Medicine graduate from 1995. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields.
Is Turkey Good for Cats?
Yes, turkey has many nutritional benefits for cats. It is high in B vitamins, selenium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous, sodium, and potassium and low in calories and fat. It lacks fiber, though, which cats require to pass regular stools.
While dark turkey meat is higher in calories, fat, and cholesterol than white meat, it also has more iron and B vitamins. Dark meat typically has a higher nutritional density, but it comes with a higher calorie cost.
Tryptophan, an amino acid known to induce sleep, is also present in turkey. Perhaps you’re wondering if this also applies to cats. Certain animals do appear to react to tryptophan in food in a similar way.
But, any “people turkey” that cats are given should only be small portions—no more than the size of your top thumb joint. It is extremely unlikely that the tryptophan in this much turkey will induce sleep in a cat. It’s possible that your cat is simply enjoying a nice nap after eating and then having a small turkey snack.
Can cats and dogs eat turkey bones?
Can a cat eat a turkey bone?
Bones: While it may seem tempting, never offer your cat a turkey bone. A bone can easily splinter and cause gastrointestinal problems and become a foreign body hazard. Your pet can also choke on a bone. Ground Turkey: Avoid feeding your feline ground turkey. While high in protein, ground turkey also is high in fat.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
Can cats eat cooked bones?
Bones, whether cooked or raw, are not recommended for cats. Small, cooked bones, like poultry bones, can splinter and break while eating, potentially leading to an intestinal blockage or perforation that’s a veterinary emergency. Even raw, these bones can cause intestinal problems and may harbor bacteria that can give your cat a serious infection.
Can cats eat turkey breast?
Turkey necks and turkey giblets can also be a choking hazard or cause a gut blockage, so stick to the breast meat. You might be tempted to cook a whole dish for your cat, perhaps using turkey liver or turning the turkey breast into a mild curry or casserole.