Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat in their diet to survive. Chicken can be a healthy source of protein for cats, as long as it is cooked thoroughly and fed in moderation. Many cat owners have questions about whether cats can or should eat chicken. This article will explore the benefits and risks of feeding chicken to cats, look at how much chicken cats can eat, and provide tips for preparing chicken safely for cats.
Can Cats Eat Chicken?
The short answer is yes, cats can safely eat chicken. Chicken meat is an excellent source of protein for cats. Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, supporting immune system function, and keeping cats feeling energetic and healthy.
Chicken contains all 10 essential amino acids that cats require in their diet. Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins. Chicken and other meats are considered high-quality, complete proteins because they provide all the amino acids a cat needs.
Chicken is typically lower in fat compared to other meats like beef or pork. Lower fat meats are ideal for cats, as excess fat can lead to obesity and other health issues.
Chicken is also a good source of vitamins and minerals for cats. It provides vitamin B6, niacin, selenium, phosphorus, and choline. All are essential nutrients for cats.
So chicken can definitely be part of a balanced feline diet. It should not make up the entirety of their diet, but can be fed as an occasional treat or as part of a rotation with other protein sources.
How Much Chicken Can Cats Eat?
Most experts recommend limiting chicken to no more than 10% of your cat’s total daily calories. For an average 10-lb cat consuming 250 calories per day, this would equate to about 1 ounce of cooked chicken.
Feeding too much can lead to nutritional imbalances or obesity if they fill up on chicken alone. Sticking to chicken as an occasional treat is healthiest. Cats should be fed a balanced diet primarily made up of a high-quality cat food.
Also pay attention to your cat’s weight and adjust chicken portions accordingly. Overweight cats should eat chicken less frequently and in smaller amounts.
Here are some general chicken portion guidelines for cats based on weight:
| Cat Weight | Chicken Serving Size |
|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 1/2 ounce |
| 10 lbs | 1 ounce |
| 15 lbs | 1.5 ounces |
| 20 lbs | 2 ounces |
These serving sizes can be offered two to three times a week at most. Any more may lead to nutritional imbalances or weight gain.
Benefits of Chicken for Cats
Feeding cats chicken in moderation comes with several health benefits:
High-Quality Protein
Chicken is over 50% protein by weight. It provides all essential amino acids cats need. Protein supports lean muscle mass and an active, healthy body.
Lower Fat
Compared to red meats like beef and lamb, chicken is lower in fat and calories. This makes it less likely to cause obesity.
Vitamins and Minerals
Chicken contains lots of great vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, niacin, selenium, phosphorus, and choline. These support metabolic processes, immune health, and more.
Variety
Chicken adds variety to a cat’s diet. Rotating different protein sources keeps cats interested in their food and prevents developing an allergy to one ingredient.
Natural Diet
As obligate carnivores, cats are built to eat meat. Chicken provides nutrients in a form their bodies recognize and can easily utilize, since it makes up the natural feline diet.
So in small, occasional portions, chicken can provide great nutritional variety and health benefits for cats.
Risks of Feeding Chicken to Cats
While chicken can be nutritious for cats, there are also some risks to be aware of:
Bones
Chicken bones can splinter and pose a significant choking hazard or damage a cat’s digestive tract. Never feed cats raw chicken bones. And be cautious of cooked bones too, as they can still break into sharp pieces.
Fatty Skin
The fatty skin on chicken can trigger pancreatitis in cats. Their bodies have difficulty digesting high amounts of fat. To be safe, remove the skin before feeding chicken.
Allergies
While uncommon, some cats may be allergic to chicken protein. Signs include itching, skin irritation, digestive upset, or wheezing. If you notice allergic symptoms, discontinue feeding chicken.
Raw Chicken Risks
Raw chicken poses a risk of transmitting Salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria to cats. Always cook chicken thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria before feeding.
Bone Fragments
Small shards of bone can break off when serving chicken. These can lodge in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract. Be sure to inspect chicken carefully and remove all bones.
Weight Gain
Chicken’s protein is lower in calories than fat or carbs. But overfeeding high protein foods like chicken could still lead to obesity in cats.
So follow the portion guidelines provided above and feed chicken in moderation to reduce these risks to cats. Avoid feeding chicken bones, skin and raw chicken.
How to Prepare Chicken for Cats
Chicken requires proper preparation and cooking before it is safe for cats to eat:
Buy High-Quality Chicken
Opt for fresh, organic, free-range chicken whenever possible. This has fewer preservatives or added hormones. Or choose a quality brand of canned chicken for cats.
Avoid Seasoning
Do not add any spices, herbs, onion, garlic or other seasoning which could upset a cat’s stomach. Plain, boiled chicken is best.
Remove Skin and Bones
The fatty skin can trigger pancreatitis and the bones pose a choking hazard to cats. Cut the meat away from the bones and peel off the skin.
Cook Chicken Thoroughly
Raw chicken risks transmitting harmful bacteria to cats. Cook chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. There should be no pink color left.
Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces
Cut cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Cats can choke on chunks that are too large. Shredded chicken makes an ideal texture.
Avoid Leftovers
Only offer freshly cooked chicken. Leftovers that have sat at room temperature grow bacteria quickly.
Follow these steps, and chicken can be a safe, nutritious supplement to your cat’s regular diet. Introduce new foods slowly and discontinue if your cat has signs of an allergic reaction or digestive upset.
FAQs
Can kittens eat chicken?
Kittens can eat small amounts of cooked, boneless, skinless chicken chopped into tiny pieces. Wait until 12 weeks old to introduce chicken. Their digestive systems are quite delicate. And limit chicken to just a few times a week for kittens. They require a high-calorie, balanced diet for proper growth and development that chicken alone won’t provide.
Can cats eat raw chicken?
It’s not recommended to feed raw chicken. Raw chicken can contain Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter bacteria, and parasites that cause illness in cats. Always cook chicken fully to kill any potential bacteria before feeding to cats.
Can cats eat chicken bones?
No, cats should never eat chicken bones. Cooked or raw, chicken bones can easily splinter and get stuck in cats’ throats or intestines. This poses a choking hazard or may require emergency surgery to remove bone fragments. For safety, always remove all bones before feeding cats chicken.
Can cats eat chicken liver?
In small amounts, chicken liver is safe for cats to eat and provides beneficial nutrients. Liver is high in protein, vitamin A, copper, and other vitamins and minerals. But liver is also very high in vitamin A. Too much can lead to vitamin A toxicity. So chicken liver should only be fed occasionally, about once or twice a month.
Can cats eat chicken eggs?
Cooked plain chicken eggs are usually safe for cats to eat in moderation. Eggs provide protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamins. However, cats should not eat raw eggs due to the risk of Salmonella poisoning. And limit egg whites, as they can lead to a biotin deficiency over time. Ultimately eggs should be an infrequent treat, not a regular part of a cat’s diet.
Conclusion
Chicken can be a healthy source of lean protein for cats if served fully cooked without bones or skin. A few times a week, small portions of plain boiled chicken provide great nutrition and variety. Always monitor your cat’s weight, health, and litter box habits when introducing new foods. Discontinue feeding chicken if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction or digestive upset. With proper preparation and limitations, chicken can be a safe and nutritious supplemental food for cats in addition to a complete, balanced commercial cat food.