Can Cats Eat Turkey? Plain Cooked Meat vs Skin, Bones and Seasoning
Cats can eat small amounts of plain, fully cooked turkey meat. Skin, bones, gravy, stuffing and seasonings are the problem. Here is what is safe and what to avoid.
Yes, cats can eat small amounts of plain, fully cooked turkey meat. Cats are obligate carnivores, and lean cooked turkey is not toxic to them. The risks come from what is added or left on: skin and fat, bones, seasoning, onion and garlic, gravy and stuffing, and undercooked meat. Treats of any kind should stay a small part of the daily diet, and a cat with a medical condition should have a vet’s guidance first.
What is safe
- Plain, boneless, skinless turkey breast or thigh meat, cooked all the way through.
- Cooked with no salt, butter, oil or spices added.
- Cooled and cut into small, bite-size pieces.
- Given as an occasional treat in a tiny portion, such as a few small pieces.
A general rule is that treats should make up no more than about 10 percent of a cat’s daily calories, with the rest coming from a complete and balanced cat food. Turkey on its own is not a balanced diet.
What to avoid
Skin and fat
Skin, drippings and fatty trimmings are high in fat, which can upset a cat’s stomach. In some animals a sudden rich meal can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation that needs veterinary care.
Bones
Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, mouth or throat injuries or damage in the digestive tract. Remove all bones, including small ones, from anything you offer.
Seasoning, onion and garlic
Onions, garlic, chives and leeks are harmful to cats and can damage red blood cells, and this includes powders and cooked forms. Salt, sage, butter and many herb blends are also unsuitable. Treat any seasoned holiday turkey as off the menu.
Gravy, stuffing and sides
These often contain onion, garlic, salt, fat, raisins or other ingredients that are unsafe. Do not share them. Our article on why stuffing is risky for pets explains the problem ingredients, which apply to cats too.
Raw or undercooked turkey
Raw poultry can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, which can make pets and people ill. Cook turkey thoroughly, and wash your hands, boards and utensils after handling it.
How to offer turkey to a cat
- Cook plain turkey with no seasoning, or set aside a plain portion before you season the family’s meal.
- Remove skin, fat and every bone.
- Let it cool and cut it into small pieces.
- Offer a small amount the first time and watch for stomach upset.
- Throw away leftovers that have sat out for hours, and refrigerate plain leftovers promptly.
Holiday precautions
Thanksgiving and other holiday meals bring a lot of food within a cat’s reach. Keep the turkey carcass, strings, foil and packaging out of reach in a closed bin, because cats can swallow them. Ask guests not to feed table scraps. For dogs, the equivalent advice is in our guide on whether dogs can eat turkey.
When to call the vet
Call your veterinarian if your cat shows vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, a swollen belly, repeated gagging or drooling after eating turkey or holiday food. If you suspect your cat ate onion, garlic, a bone or a large amount of fatty food, call an emergency vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away rather than waiting for symptoms.
Quick answers
Can kittens eat turkey?
Kittens have specific nutritional needs, so ask your vet before giving anything beyond their kitten food. A tiny taste of plain cooked turkey is unlikely to cause a problem, but it is not needed.
Is deli turkey okay?
No. Deli and processed turkey is usually high in salt and may contain flavorings or preservatives that are not suitable for cats.
Can cats eat turkey baby food?
Only if the label shows no onion or garlic powder. Check the ingredients carefully, since many varieties contain them.
