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?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they are designed to eat and process 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?
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. But what about our furry feline friends? Can they join in on the feast? Specifically, can cats eat turkey?
The answer is yes cats can eat turkey. In fact, turkey is a great source of protein for cats and can be a healthy treat. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you start sharing your Thanksgiving turkey with your kitty.
First, make sure the turkey is cooked plain. This means no seasoning, no gravy, and no skin The skin and fat from turkey can be difficult for cats to digest and can cause them to have an upset stomach.
Second, only give your cat small amounts of turkey Turkey should be a treat, not a meal replacement Too much turkey can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Third, avoid giving your cat bones. Turkey bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
Finally, be aware that some cats may be allergic to turkey. If your cat has never had turkey before, start by giving them a small amount and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching.
If you follow these guidelines, your cat can safely enjoy a little bit of turkey as a special treat. Just be sure to monitor them closely and stop giving them turkey if they show any signs of discomfort.
Here are some additional tips for feeding turkey to your cat:
- Cut the turkey into small pieces. This will make it easier for your cat to chew and digest.
- Mix the turkey with your cat’s regular food. This will help them get used to the new taste.
- Offer the turkey as a treat. Don’t give your cat too much turkey at once.
With a little planning, you can safely share your Thanksgiving turkey with your cat and make the holiday even more special for both of you.
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. Limit your cat’s assistance to a portion the size of your thumb’s joint, and only provide it if they are well and free from any medical issues.
For a consultation, get in touch with your veterinarian if your cat eats a lot of turkey that they found on their own or if you’re worried about the turkey containing spices, skin, or bones.
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.
If you are looking to share with your cat, plain cooked turkey is the way to go. 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 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields.
Can Cats Eat Turkey? (2019)
FAQ
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