Can Cats Eat Chicken?

Can Cats Eat Chicken?



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 Chicken

Chicken meals are one of the commonest meals in many households. It is not just tasty, it is your go-to healthy source of protein. We enjoy chicken in different dishes like casseroles, tacos, sandwiches, etc. Chicken, after pork, is the most consumed white meat in the world. Chicken is an example of lean meat which means it is low in fat. This is good for building muscle. It also supplies other nutrients that do the body a great deal of good to our bodies.

You probably have heard your vet call your cat an obligate carnivore before, meaning they need animal protein to thrive. So, I guess that you are thinking that serving your cat some chicken strips would be doing the right thing. But is that it, really? Can cats eat chicken? Before you jump to any conclusions, you should continue reading this post to know all about feeding chicken to your cat.

Can Cats Eat Chicken?

Yes, cats can eat chicken. Chicken is a good source of protein that your kitty can safely eat. You can feed small bite-sized pieces of cooked chicken to your cat. However, chicken cannot supply all the nutritional needs of cats and as such, should only be fed to them occasionally. Additionally, before introducing any new food to your cat, like chicken, consult with your vet.

What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Chicken To My Cat?

Chicken is one of the safe foods your cat can enjoy in moderate amounts. Since cats are obligate carnivores, feeding them chicken is a good way to meet their protein needs. Here are some of the benefits of feeding chicken to your cat:

  • Source of lean protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein and it is also low in fat and sodium. This helps build lean muscle and also keeps your cat saturated.
  • Healthy skin and fur: The protein content in chicken also help keep your cat in tiptop shape. Chicken supplies protein to your cat's body that help them maintain healthy skin and fur.
  • Source of Phosphorus: Phosphorus sustains bone development in your cat. It also ensures other important internal organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart are in good shape.
  • Source of Selenium: Cats have to deal with hairballs after grooming themselves. Selenium can help reduce the shedding of their fur and the formation of hairballs. Selenium also strengthens the immune system of your cat.
  • Source of Vitamin B6: This vitamin helps maintain kidney functions and also facilitates glucose release, thus preventing diabetes in your cat.

How Can I Feed Chicken To My Cat?

The best way to feed chicken to your cat is by boiling or cooking plainly. Cats should only be allowed to eat plainly boiled chicken. Do not feed your cat chicken that is seasoned with spices like garlic or onion. This can be very toxic to them. 

When feeding chicken to your cat, shred up the chicken flesh into bite-size pieces before giving it to your cat. It is advisable to feed only chicken flesh without the skin of your cat. The skin contains more fats and is unhealthy for your cat.

Your cat can also eat grilled chicken, as long as it was grilled plain, without any seasoning or ingredients. At all times, the deep-fried chicken should be avoided for your cat. Even though you may enjoy your chicken prepared like that, all that excess fat will do your cat more harm than good.

Raw Chicken

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken?

That's a big No! Cats should not eat raw chicken. Raw chicken poses the threat of infection and diseases to your feline. 

I bet you must be wondering why you can't just toss a thick cut of raw chicken to your cat when their wild brothers tear flesh for a living. But that's just it. Your cat has become domesticated. It is different from its wild ancestors and as such, its digestive system has evolved and has become modified to meet its present needs.

Cats can in fact eat raw meat but it is not healthy for them at all. Raw meat contains bacteria and other parasites that can do a lot of harm to your cat. Your cat can suffer from food poisoning caused by E. Coli or Salmonella, which are found in raw meat. 

However, you can feed raw meat to your cat if it is flash-frozen to meet the needs of cats. But make sure to consult with your vet before feeding flash-frozen meat to your cat.

Can Cats Eat Chicken Bones?

Your cat may have shown interest in your discarded chicken bones and you probably have been tempted to give them to them as a snack. While cats can eat chicken bones, it is not recommended. 

Chicken bones become brittle once cooked. Because of this brittle nature, they can easily splinter when your cat bites into them. Splintered bones can get into internal organs and wreck havoc. Also, bones swallowed whole can cause choking hazards. 

This is absolutely no good reason to feed chicken bones to your cat. To avoid an uncontrollable situation, it is advisable to not feed bones to your cat.

 Chicken

Can Kittens Eat Chicken?

Yes, your cute little kittens can enjoy chicken as an occasional snack. Kittens get all the complete and balanced nutrients they need from their specially formulated cat food. But a little piece of chicken now and then will not be harmful to them. Make sure to feed only plainly boiled chicken to your kitten. Also, cut the boneless chicken flesh into bite-size chunks or puree the chicken before feeding it to them. This is to prevent any choking hazard. 

However, always consult with your vet before introducing any new food to your kitten's diet.

Final Words

Chicken is completely safe for your cat as long as it is properly boiled, with no added seasoning or ingredients. Cats can eat small amounts of chicken flesh once in a while. Also, it should be introduced gradually into their diet.

Conclusively, if your cat shows any allergic reactions after feeding on chicken, stop feeding them immediately and consult with your vet.


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