Is your cat watching you excitedly as you eat the chicken? Before you feed your cat you should read this article, it will save your cat from salmonella, E. coli, toxoplasmosis & other diseases.
We all know that cats are carnivorous and that in the wild they hunt small birds and other prey. However, it’s obvious that they will urge you to feed them chicken, it’s in their blood.
The answer to this question is complicated as all cats have different digestive systems. If you think that every meat is good for your cat as they are obligate carnivores. Never do that!!
They are not wild cats anymore, now they are domestic cats who thrive on commercial cat foods.
I would suggest you consult a veterinarian before you feed anything different from his daily diet.
Before you consult, check out this blog article & know more about can you feed chicken to your cat.
Can Cats Eat Chicken?
Chicken is one of the most consumed meats in the world. Chicken is a very good source of protein, which is why it is used in many food sources, including commercial cat foods.
It is a big Yes!!! you can feed chicken to your cat. However, if you are giving them premium commercial cat food then you can avoid cooked chicken in their diet.
There are many foods that are non-toxic & even they are beneficial for your furball. Also, you should keep in mind that if you provide it in large quantity it may cause mayhem to his digestive system.
Having a good amount of chicken a day will help you to fulfill your daily protein meet. The chicken will boost your testosterone levels throughout the day.
Do you know that cats are obligate carnivorous, they tend to have nutrients from meat. In the wild, they hunt for their living such as birds & small prey.
Health Benefits of Chicken
As I mentioned above chicken is a good source of protein. However, there are a few parts of the chicken that have less fat such as chicken breast.
The chicken breast consists of lean protein & does not have fat in it. You may find 30%-35% lean protein in every 100-gram chicken breast.
Moreover, chickens also contain a decent amount of vitamins & minerals, selenium, vitamin B6 & phosphorus.
The phosphorus helps to keep your furball’s bones & teeth healthy. In fact, it strengthens the liver & kidneys if you feed it in moderation.
It will be easy for your cat to digest chicken, that’s because that’s the diet they might have in the wild. If still, you see any symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea then you can consult your veterinarian.
Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken?
I have received many messages from cat owners, and this question is very frequent, “Can we feed raw chicken to our cat”. My short answer is NO!!! Because there are chances of contamination of raw chicken with deadly pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli.
These bacteria are really harmful to you & your furry friend. It will lead to parasitic diseases called toxoplasmosis & other diseases.
If you want to save your cat then you have to feed only cooked chicken. Also, you have to keep in mind that you do not use any seasoning or salt.
Also Read: Is Salmon Safe for Cats?
Can Cats Eat Chicken Bones?
Yes, you can feed chicken bones to your cats, but only in raw form. However, feeding chicken bones is only advisable in case if your kitty is suffering from calcium deficiency. Also, make sure that raw bones may contain bacteria if it is not sourced from a quality source, so always get it from a trusted place to avoid the chances of contamination.
Cooking chicken bones makes them soft and brittle. Due to this, it becomes dangerous for your cats to eat. There is a chance that your cat will choke if they eat boiled chicken bones because they splinter and snap into small shards.
Make sure you do not add any seasoning or salt to the chicken bones that you are feeding to your cat. If you see any symptoms of vomiting or difficulties in breathing, then you can consult your veterinarian.
FAQs
How much chicken can a cat eat?
If you are feeding chicken to your cat instead of his commercial cat food then you should add some fibers to it.
Also, if you are feeding chicken to your cat additionally then it should be like a treat, in a very less quantity. It should be less than 10% of the total daily food intake.
Can I feed my cat chicken every day?
Yes, you can feed chicken every day, but you will have to ensure that it is properly cooked. You will have to provide boneless chicken to your furry friend. If you are providing chicken to your cat every day then you have to maintain a balanced diet.
Are chicken and rice okay for cats?
Yes, you can feed rice & chicken in their daily meal, as it has a perfect protein source & carbohydrates source. If you want to add fats then you can add fish twice a week.
Moreover, you can add fish to your cat’s diet twice a week to give them a balanced diet. Make sure every meat is boiled properly without any seasoning added.
Can you feed a cat canned chicken?
I would say canned chicken is non-toxic, However, using fresh chicken is a better option. You can use canned chicken as an option, as many of the cats love the canned chicken smell.
Final Thoughts
Make sure that
If you have determined that your cat happily and healthily eats chicken, then go ahead and let them enjoy it. Cooked chicken is always a healthy option for your kitties, but never feed cooked bones. Also, refrain from feeding raw chicken since there are chances of contamination with pathogens that could be harmful to cats.
You can pin me your questions in the comment that are related to the can cat eat chicken, I would be more than happy to help you.
Also Read: Are Rices Safe for Cats?
Reference
- People Food to Avoid Feeding Your Pets — ASPCA
- Is Raw Cat Food Good For Cats? — PetMD
- Feeding Your Cat — Cornell University
- Raw Diets for Dogs and Cats — NCBI