Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and of course – delicious food. For many pet owners the holidays just don’t feel complete without sharing a tasty morsel or two with their furry companions. But is it safe to let cats have a bite of your Thanksgiving turkey?
The short answer is yes, cats can have a small amount of plain turkey meat in moderation. However, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about feeding your cat turkey and other Thanksgiving foods, according to veterinary experts.
Turkey Breast Is Safe (But Skin and Bones Are Not)
Turkey breast meat, without any bones skin or seasoning can be a healthy treat for cats. Lean, unseasoned poultry provides protein, vitamins and minerals that cats need in their diet. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces for your cat.
On the other hand, turkey bones and skin should always be avoided. Poultry bones can splinter and cause injuries or intestinal obstructions if swallowed. The skin is very high in fat, which can trigger pancreatitis in cats.
Veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter says, “Avoid giving your cat turkey bones or skin, no matter how much they beg for them, because they can’t handle the high fat content.”
Limit Portion Size
While turkey meat is fine for cats, it should only make up a small portion of their overall diet. The ASPCA recommends limiting “people food” treats to no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.
For an average 10-pound cat, that’s about 1-2 ounces of turkey meat per day. Too much can lead to nutritional imbalances or obesity over time Stick to occasional small treats rather than full meals
Say No to Seasonings, Gravy and Sides
All those delicious spices, marinades and gravy that give turkey its signature flavor should stay off your cat’s plate. Onions, garlic, salt and other seasonings can cause gastrointestinal upset. Butter, oils and meat drippings are high in unhealthy fats. So be sure your cat’s turkey is completely plain and unseasoned.
The same goes for classic Thanksgiving side dishes, which are off-limits for cats. No stuffing, mashed potatoes, casseroles, desserts or other human foods. The only safe treat is plain meat.
Watch Out for Liver Toxicity
While not common, there have been rare reports of liver toxicity in cats after eating turkey. It’s unclear exactly why, but there seems to be an association between turkey liver consumption and hepatic lipidosis in some cats. To be safe, do not feed your cat any turkey liver or organs. Stick just to breast meat.
Prevent Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a painful, potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas that can occur in cats. One of the main causes is a high-fat diet. That’s why turkey skin is dangerous. Even lean meat should only be fed in moderation to avoid upsetting your cat’s pancreas.
Look for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain. Seek vet care immediately if you suspect pancreatitis. Avoid fatty foods and follow your vet’s treatment recommendations, which may include IV fluids, anti-nausea medication and a special low-fat diet.
Other Thanksgiving Food Dangers
While turkey meat is one of the few safe options, most classic Thanksgiving foods should be kept away from cats entirely. Here are some other hazards to watch out for:
- Stuffing containing onions, garlic or other spices
- Mashed potatoes with butter, milk and seasonings
- Green bean casserole with fried onions
- Sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping
- Cranberry sauce with sugar and citrus
- Pumpkin or pecan pie
- Ham glazed with honey or maple syrup
- Cornbread made with cornmeal, milk and butter
- Relishes and chutneys containing onions
- Bread rolls with butter
- Desserts containing chocolate, grapes or raisins
Ask Your Vet First
The bottom line is lean turkey meat (without skin, bones or seasoning) is fine for most cats in small quantities. But since every cat is different, it’s a good idea to check with your own veterinarian before introducing any new foods. They’ll be able to review your pet’s unique health considerations and give personalized feeding advice.
While the holidays are a time for festive feasts, your cat’s regular balanced diet should still make up the bulk of their nutrition. With some common sense precautions, though, sharing a morsel of your holiday meal can be a nice way to make your furry friend feel included in the celebrations. Just be sure to avoid any turkey bones, skin or other dangerous foods. Stick to plain meat, and your cat can safely join in the Thanksgiving fun!
Which Thanksgiving Foods Are Safe for Kitties?
This Thanksgiving, as you’re preparing the family feast, don’t forget about your favorite feline friends. Foods that people like are safe for cats, but many foods that people like should be kept away from cats.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Cats
Cats respond best to natural foods, cooked for better digestion. These include…
- Apples: Apples are a great way to get vitamins C and K and other good things for you. Never give your cat the seeds or stem of an apple. Instead, cut it into slices or small cubes.
- Fruit salad is a common Thanksgiving dish in some parts of the country. Without bananas, there would be no fruit salad. Cats can also eat them as a safe and healthy snack.
- Bread is fine for cats as long as it’s plain white or wheat bread with no nuts, seeds, or raisins. In fact, only give bread as a treat once in a while because it’s not good for you and eating too much of it makes you gain weight. Also, never give your cat raw yeasted dough, because it can poison it with alcohol.
- Broccoli: Broccoli comes in many forms, but plain steamed or boiled broccoli is one of the best vegetables you can give your cat.
- Fall gourds like pumpkin and squash are usually good for your cat when they are cooked. Mix any kind of squash purée with wet or dry food. Pumpkin pie mix in a can that has already been seasoned should never be given to your cat. Learn how to make homemade pumpkin puree.
- Turkey and chicken: Since cats like to eat meat, turkey and chicken are great lean meats for them to eat. As with anything else that comes off the table, don’t eat too many of these and stay away from the skin, extra fat, and seasonings.
Can Cats Eat Turkey? (2019)
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