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Can Cats Eat Chicken Bones?
Do not give chicken bones to cats.
Are chicken bones safe for cats?
Chicken bones, cooked or raw, are a classic hazard because cooked bones splinter easily into sharp pieces. Cooked chicken bones can splinter and cause choking, mouth injuries, or damage and blockage in the digestive tract, and raw bones carry a similar risk along with a bacterial one.
What to do instead
- Dispose of chicken bones (raw or cooked) where your cat cannot reach the trash
- Watch for gagging, drooling, vomiting or straining after any known bone ingestion
- If your cat swallowed bone pieces, call your vet, especially if they seem in pain or stop eating
- Offer a vet-approved chew toy instead
What to avoid
- Cooked chicken bones of any kind, including from takeout or bone broth scraps
- Raw chicken bones as a regular chew, due to splintering and bacterial risk
- Chicken carcasses left within reach
How many chicken bones can my cat have?
There is no amount of chicken bones that we can recommend for cats. Skip them entirely.
Signs your cat may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your cat has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Frequently asked questions
Can kittens eat chicken bones?
No. Chicken bones should not be given to cats of any age.
What should I do if my cat ate chicken bones?
Call your vet or an animal poison hotline right away, even if your cat seems fine. Tell them what was eaten, roughly how much, when, and your cat's weight. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Is there a safe amount of chicken bones for my cat?
There is no amount of chicken bones that we can recommend, and some cats react to very small amounts. It is best not to give any.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones?