As anyone who has ever looked up from a leisurely lunch to see their cat eyeing their food will know that cats are just as good at begging as dogs. But before you give in and share your sandwich, you should check to see if it’s okay. Can cats eat lunch meat?.
In small amounts, deli meat can be a good treat for your cat, but it can’t take the place of a healthy diet. This article will show you how to feed your cat lunch meat and other human foods that are safe for them that they can eat.
Can Cats Eat Deli Turkey?
Deli turkey can make a tasty treat for cats, but too much can lead to health issues This processed meat is high in fat, sodium, and preservatives – things cats should only eat in moderation But in small amounts, lean turkey from the deli can be a protein-rich snack cats enjoy.
What are the Pros and Cons of Feeding Deli Turkey to Cats?
The main benefit of deli turkey is that it provides a good source of protein. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a diet high in animal-based proteins. Turkey deli meat can help them meet this nutritional requirement. The protein helps cats maintain muscle mass and gives them energy.
However, most deli turkey contains a lot of sodium, added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives like nitrites. Too much salt can cause high blood pressure, kidney disease, and urinary problems in cats. The chemicals and extra ingredients may also upset your cat’s stomach.
Deli meats are highly processed, unlike raw turkey. Cooking meat can decrease its natural taurine levels as well. Taurine is an amino acid cats need for eye and heart health.
So deli turkey shouldn’t be a regular part of your cat’s diet, but the occasional small serving of natural, low-sodium turkey can make a fine snack. Just don’t let your cat fill up on deli meat instead of their balanced cat food.
Is Deli Turkey Safe for Cats? Dangers to Watch Out For
Feeding a few pieces of all-natural roasted turkey breast to your cat likely won’t cause any harm. But some health risks to be aware of include:
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Obesity: Deli meats can be fatty. An overweight cat is prone to diabetes, arthritis, and other problems.
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Gastrointestinal upset: Too much deli meat at once may cause vomiting or diarrhea. The spices, salt, and preservatives may disagree with your cat’s stomach.
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Dehydration: The high sodium content found in ham, turkey, and other deli meats leads to fluid loss and dehydration. Ensure your cat also has access to fresh water.
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Nutritional deficiencies: If your cat fills up on deli meat, they may not eat as much of their balanced cat food, which contains nutrients like taurine they can’t get from deli meat alone.
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Food poisoning: Deli meats can harbor bacteria like Listeria or Salmonella. Never feed expired sliced turkey to your cat.
How Much Deli Turkey Can Cats Eat?
Turkey and other deli meats should make up no more than 10-15% of your cat’s daily caloric intake. The other 85-90% should come from complete cat food. For an average 10 lb cat, two to three small pieces of deli turkey twice a week make a reasonable treat portion.
Always check the nutrition label for calorie content so you can adjust portion sizes accordingly. And stick to low sodium natural turkey without nitrites, like what you may find at the deli counter of health food stores or Whole Foods.
The key is moderation. While deli turkey can add variety to your cat’s diet, it shouldn’t become a dietary staple. Pay attention to your cat’s reaction after eating this processed meat as well. Some cats tolerate it better than others. Consider cutting back if you notice adverse effects.
Other Safe Human Foods Cats Can Eat
If your cat doesn’t care for deli meat or you want to mix up their people food treats, consider other cat-safe options like:
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Cooked chicken or fish (in moderation, no bones)
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Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs
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Plain yogurt or cheese
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Fresh fruits like blueberries, banana, melon
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Cooked sweet potato or pumpkin
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Baby foods with meat or vegetable ingredients
Just introduce new foods slowly and stick to small portion sizes to prevent stomach upset. And always avoid known toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, garlic, and anything spicy.
The Bottom Line
Deli turkey can make an occasional tasty, protein-filled treat for cats. But too much can lead to obesity and other health issues. Stick to all-natural, low-sodium options and feed this processed meat in moderation. Make sure your cat still eats their nutritionally complete cat food for the bulk of their diet. By following these tips, deli turkey can be a safe snack cats enjoy.
Deli Meat and Cats: The Pros and Cons
All meat, including deli meat, is high in protein. Cats are true carnivores, meaning they are adapted to absorb and digest nutrients from animal sources most efficiently. If you want to give your cat treats, you should make sure they are both tasty and good for them. Lunch meat is a good example of this.
However, processed meats aren’t as healthy for anyone—human or cat—as meat in its original form. Many deli types of meat are high in fat and salt and contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. With about 50% of all adult pet cats considered overweight, many owners need to be careful about how many calories their pets consume.
You may know that pregnant women shouldn’t eat deli meat because it could be contaminated with Listeria. This is because of you or someone you know who has been pregnant. Knowing this, you might wonder whether this disease impacts cats as well.
Listeria (L. monocytogenes) is a bacteria that causes food poisoning. It can contaminate many foods, including lunch meat. In humans, Listeria is most dangerous to those with compromised immune systems, like kids, seniors, and pregnant women. Many animals are also susceptible to this bacteria, but cats are only rarely impacted.
Your cat could get sick from Listeria, but the bigger risk is that they could get it without showing any symptoms and then give it to people they live with.
Feeding Deli Meat to Your Cat
When feeding your cat deli meat, choose the leanest, least processed option you can, all-natural if possible. Generally, treats should only make up 10%–15% of your cat’s total daily calories. Check the nutrition label of the deli meat you’re feeding to confirm the calories per slice before giving it to your cat.
Never feed your cat spoiled or expired lunch meat. It can make them sick just like it would a human, including from Listeria.
If your cat is overweight or has a long-term illness, you should ask your vet if deli meat is safe for them to eat. Your vet can also help you figure out how many calories your cat needs every day to stay at a healthy weight. Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s a cheap online service that lets you talk to a vet and get the advice you need for your pet.
Your cat may enjoy lunch meat as a food garnish for their regular meals or as a snack. Just make sure your cat doesn’t get too used to the deli meat and refuse to eat their normal food. You could also use lunch meat as a training treat or to hide your cat’s pills if it needs them.
Every cat is different, and so is their digestive system. So, while deli meat may be safe to eat, that doesn’t mean it will agree with every kitty. If your cat is vomiting or having diarrhea, you may need to switch up the treats you give them or stop giving them snacks all together.
Can Cats Eat Turkey? (2019)
FAQ
Can cats eat sliced deli turkey?
Is cold turkey okay for cats?
How much turkey is safe for cats?
Can cats eat turkey from Subway?
Can cats eat deli meat?
It can make them sick just like it would a human, including from Listeria. If your cat is overweight or has a chronic health condition, ask your veterinarian if it’s okay for them to eat deli meat. Your vet can also help you determine how many calories your cat should be eating per day to maintain a healthy weight.
Can cats eat deli turkey?
Since turkey is generally okay, people often ask if cats can eat deli turkey, too. No—not unless you see it sliced behind the meat counter from an actual bird. Processed deli turkey is high in unhealthy sodium and nitrates. Any additives, such as smoke flavoring or other seasonings, aren’t good for your feline friend either.
Can cats eat turkey skin?
Yes, cats can eat plain, unseasoned turkey deli meat in moderation. Just be sure to avoid deli meats that are high in sodium or contain any seasonings or additives that could be harmful to your cat. 2.
Can cats eat ground turkey?
However, cats can eat ground turkey when it’s cooked plain. If you want to make an easy homemade cat treat while whipping up some turkey burgers for yourself, simply cook the meat thoroughly, then form kitty-bite-sized patties before you season the meat for yourself.
Can cats eat turkey lunch meat?
It is not recommended to feed your cat raw turkey, as it can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella. It is best to cook the turkey thoroughly before giving it to your cat. 8.
Can cats eat turkey jerky?
It is best to avoid giving your cat turkey jerky, as it may be high in sodium and additives that could be harmful to your cat. Stick to plain, cooked turkey for your feline friend. 14. Can cats eat turkey burgers?