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Can Cats Eat Chicken?
Chicken is safe for cats when served plain and in a sensible amount.
Is chicken safe for cats?
Chicken is a lean, widely available poultry meat and a common ingredient in commercial pet food. Plain, fully cooked chicken meat is a safe, natural protein for cats, and is used in many commercial cat foods. Cats are obligate carnivores, so they get what they need from meat and never need chicken. If you offer it at all, treat it as a rare, tiny extra.
How to serve chicken to your cat
- Remove the skin, fat and all bones before offering any
- Cook it plainly with no seasoning, onion, garlic or butter
- Cut it into small pieces appropriate for your cat's size
What to avoid
- Raw or undercooked chicken, because of Salmonella and other bacteria
- Chicken bones, which can splinter
- Fried, breaded or heavily seasoned chicken
- Chicken skin, which is fatty
How much chicken can my cat have?
Offer just a tiny taste, about a fingernail-sized piece, once in a while. Treats, including chicken, should stay under about 10% of your cat's daily calories.
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?
Young animals have more sensitive digestive systems and a carefully balanced diet, so check with your vet before adding chicken. If you get the go-ahead, start with an even smaller amount than an adult would get.
What if my cat ate too much chicken?
The most common result is an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. Offer water, skip further treats, and call your vet if symptoms are severe or last more than a day, or if your cat ate any of the parts listed under "What to avoid".
How often can my cat have chicken?
Treat it as an occasional extra rather than a daily food. Once or twice a week at most is a sensible starting point for a healthy adult cat, and less for small ones.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Chicken?