Have you ever walked away from your turkey sandwich for a second, and then come back to find the turkey missing and your cat licking their lips?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they are designed to eat and process meat. So it’s no wonder why so many cats love turkey or any other meat, and why animal protein is the main ingredient in almost every cat food recipe.
But can cats eat all kinds of turkey, like turkey lunch meat or turkey scraps from your meal? Is it healthy for them? Here’s what you need to know about turkey for cats.
Turkey is a lean and flavorful meat that many cat owners love to eat. So when you’re making a tasty sandwich or enjoying leftovers from a holiday meal, it’s natural for your curious kitty to want a bite too. But is it actually safe for cats to eat sliced deli turkey meant for human consumption? Let’s dig into the details.
Potential Benefits of Turkey for Cats
There are several nutritional benefits turkey can offer cats
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Turkey is an excellent source of complete, high-quality protein. Cats need a lot of protein from animal sources to maintain muscles, immunity, tissue repair, and energy levels.
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Turkey breast is a lean source of fat compared to fattier meats. Cats require fat in their diet for energy skin/coat health, nutrient absorption and more.
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Turkey contains important vitamins like B vitamins and selenium, plus minerals such as zinc and phosphorus that cats need. More nutrients than plain treats.
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The extra moisture in deli turkey can provide hydration, especially helpful for senior cats that don’t drink enough water.
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Many cats love the tasty flavor of turkey! It makes an appetizing treat, pill pocket, or meal topper.
Potential Risks of Deli Turkey
However, there are some potential risks to consider with deli turkey:
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High sodium content – deli meats often contain added salt which is unhealthy for cats in excess. Can cause hypertension, stomach upset, urinary issues.
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Preservatives like nitrates, sulfites, phosphates used to extend shelf life. May cause adverse reactions in some cats.
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Flavored turkey slices contain onion, garlic, spices and other ingredients toxic to cats. Only choose plain.
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Higher fat content, especially with skin. Can lead to obesity and pancreatitis. Check labels and select lower fat options.
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Contamination risk from handling/processing. Cats are not highly susceptible to Listeria but can pass bacteria to humans.
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Veterinary approval – some cats with medical issues like diabetes or food allergies should avoid deli meats. Always check with your vet.
Tips for Safely Feeding Turkey to Cats
If you want to share a little bit of your sandwich, here are some tips:
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Read labels carefully and select low sodium, low fat plain turkey only. Avoid flavors, seasonings, etc.
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Small portions – treats should be no more than 15% of daily calories. For a 10 lb cat that’s around 16-24 calories or 1 thin slice.
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Do not feed the skin which is very high in fat. Only the lean turkey breast meat.
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Only feed fresh properly refrigerated turkey, not expired. Discard any leftovers after 2 days.
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Cook raw or pre-cooked turkey thoroughly to 165°F to kill bacteria like salmonella.
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Never feed bones which can injure cats. Remove all bones before feeding.
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Only give occasionally as a treat, not daily meals. Turkey alone lacks complete nutrition.
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If your cat has an upset stomach or allergic reaction, do not give again.
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Ask your veterinarian before feeding, especially for cats with health conditions.
Healthiest Ways to Feed Turkey
While deli turkey can be an occasional snack, there are even healthier turkey options to feed cats:
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High-quality canned or dry cat food with turkey as the first ingredient. Minimal processing is best.
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Dehydrated turkey cat treats or turkey blended into crunchy treats. More balanced nutrition.
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Plain cooked turkey breast, roasted or boiled with no seasoning, skin, fat or bones. Shred for easy eating.
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Turkey baby food with turkey as the sole ingredient. Well-cooked, pureed turkey.
Is Raw Turkey Safe?
Raw turkey carries risks of bacterial contamination and food poisoning. Do not feed raw turkey to your cat unless your vet approves it for specialized homemade diets. Cook all turkey thoroughly to 165°F before feeding.
The Bottom Line
In moderation, plain deli turkey can be a fine occasional treat for cats. But for everyday meals, choose cat foods and treats made with high-quality turkey for optimal nutrition. Check with your vet, especially if your cat has any health conditions. With some basic precautions, your kitty can safely enjoy a bite of this tasty protein!
Can Cats Eat Turkey Bacon?
Turkey itself is a healthy treat for cats, but turkey bacon is not so healthy for them. Although it isn’t toxic to cats, it is loaded with salt, preservatives, and fat. Over time, eating a lot of turkey bacon can lead to hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and other health issues. While you can indulge kitty with some plain, cooked turkey, skip the turkey bacon.
Should Cats Eat Raw or Cooked Turkey?
Cats should always be fed cooked turkey. Despite the debates on raw food versus cooked foods for pets, the safe option for pets and people is to only eat cooked turkey.
Raw meat may contain bacteria, which can make you and your pets extremely sick. This is why you should use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables when you cook. Pets that are fed bacteria-containing raw meats can become ill and transmit the illness to people, which is not worth the risk.
Can Cats Eat Turkey? (2019)
FAQ
Is sliced turkey okay for cats?
The good news is cats can eat turkey, but we recommend following certain advice, and if feeding outside of a complete and balance diet, it should only ever be as a snack. For starters, the turkey should not have any bones in it since this could act as a choking hazard and cause other health risks.
Can cats eat a small piece of turkey?
Plain, cooked turkey breast can be a great treat for cats at Thanksgiving—if you remove the skin and bones first. Give your cat a small amount of turkey breast meat that doesn’t have any seasonings, including, but not limited to, onions, garlic, leeks, or chives.
Is turkey easy for cats to digest?
Turkey is Easy to Digest – In addition to being packed with important nutrients, turkey is easy for cats and dogs to digest.Nov 14, 2024
Are cats allergic to turkey?
- A veterinarian may recommend a food trial or challenge
- An elimination diet, using turkey as the sole protein source
Can cats eat turkey?
While turkey is generally safe for cats to eat, here are some parameters to keep in mind: Only serve cooked turkey: Raw poultry, including turkey, carries a risk of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to serious illness in both cats and humans. By cooking the turkey properly, you kill any harmful bacteria.
Can cats eat deli turkey meat?
Yes, cats can eat deli turkey meat without bones and skin. You can give your cat small pieces or shred it into smaller strips. Some cats may also enjoy turkey gravy on their food. Note that the passage also mentions ‘lunch meat’, but the question only asks about ‘deli turkey meat’.
Can cats eat turkey skin?
In general, cat owners should avoid giving their pets fatty foods like turkey skin, as they can lead to weight gain and health problems. However, turkey meat is a healthy protein source for cats and can be included in a balanced diet.
Can cats eat deep fried turkey?
When served with the skin, deep-fried turkey contains far too much fat for cats to consume regularly. Rotisserie preparations are relatively high in sodium. Also, deli meats are usually high in salt and frequently contain preservatives such as sodium nitrates, which aren’t great for humans or cats.
Can cats eat turkey ham?
Cats should not eat turkey ham because it is a processed meat high in sodium and fat, which can harm them. Additionally, the bone in the ham poses a choking hazard for cats. If you’re looking for a safe treat for your cat, try some plain, cooked turkey.
Is it safe for cats to eat turkey bones?
Most vets recommend against feeding cats turkey bones because they can choke your cat or cause issues in their digestive system. However, cooked turkey giblets, if cut into small pieces, could be given to a cat as a treat.