By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Cats are obligate carnivores, so it is no surprise that many will lick at a marrow bone left on a plate or leap onto the bench when roast bones are cooling. Bone marrow is not toxic to cats, but it is very fatty, and the bones it comes in can cause real harm. Cooked bones of any kind are a firm no for cats. A small lick of plain marrow is unlikely to hurt a healthy adult cat, but it is not a food cats need and it upsets some stomachs.
Key takeaways
- Marrow is mostly fat. Even a small amount is calorie dense for a cat that may only need around 200 to 250 kilocalories a day.
- Rich fatty foods commonly cause vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
- Never let cats chew cooked bones, which can splinter and cause internal injury or blockage.
- RSPCA Australia lists cooked bones, small pieces of raw bone and fatty trimmings among foods not to feed cats.
- Related: cooked bones and cats, raw bones and cats, pancreatitis in cats.
What marrow is and why it is so rich
The yellow marrow inside long bones from cattle and sheep is mainly fat, with a little protein and connective tissue. For a person, a spoonful of roasted marrow is a small indulgence. For a four kilogram cat, the same spoonful can be a big fraction of the day's energy. Regular fatty extras push cats towards weight gain, and overweight cats are more prone to diabetes, arthritis and urinary problems.
How marrow can upset a cat
- Gut upset. Vomiting, soft stools or greasy diarrhoea within hours of a rich treat.
- Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is common in cats, though unlike dogs it is not clearly linked to fatty meals. A cat that vomits, stops eating or hides after any unusual food should still be checked.
- Weight gain. Small daily extras add up, especially in indoor cats.
- Bacteria from raw marrow. Raw meat and bone can carry Salmonella and other bacteria, which matter for the cat and for people in the house, particularly young children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system.
The bone itself is the bigger risk
Cats rarely try to crack a large beef marrow bone, but they will chew cooked chicken, lamb and fish bones, and smaller marrow bone pieces. Cooked bones splinter into sharp fragments that can lodge in the mouth or throat, pierce the gut or cause a blockage. Bone fragments can also cause constipation. RSPCA Australia advises never feeding cooked bones to cats, and says that if owners choose to offer bones, they should be raw, introduced gradually and supervised. It does not recommend bones or raw meat in general, because of bacteria, broken teeth, constipation and blockages.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting or repeated retching
- Diarrhoea or greasy stools
- Not eating, or eating less than usual for more than a day
- Hiding, lethargy or a hunched posture
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth or gagging
- Straining in the litter tray with little or nothing produced
When it is an emergency
Take your cat to a vet urgently if they are choking, breathing with their mouth open, retching repeatedly, vomiting several times, have a painful belly, collapse, or strain in the litter tray without producing anything. Cats that stop eating for more than 24 hours need veterinary attention, as they can develop serious liver problems (hepatic lipidosis) when they do not eat. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.
How vets assess and treat problems
Your vet will examine your cat and may recommend blood tests, X-rays or ultrasound depending on the signs. Bone fragments are often visible on X-rays. Mild gut upset may be managed with supportive care. Pancreatitis, blockages and constipation can need hospital treatment, including fluids and nutritional support. Treatment is tailored to the individual cat.
Better treat options for cats
- Small pieces of plain cooked chicken or fish with every bone removed
- Commercial cat treats, kept to a small share of daily intake
- Dental treats that meet Veterinary Oral Health Council standards
- Puzzle feeders using part of the normal ration, which RSPCA Australia encourages for enrichment
FAQ
My cat licked some roasted marrow off a plate. Should I worry?
A small lick is unlikely to cause serious harm in a healthy adult cat. Watch for vomiting, diarrhoea or reduced appetite over the next day.
Can kittens have bone marrow?
It is best avoided. Kittens have sensitive stomachs and need a complete kitten diet for growth.
Is marrow a good way to get a fussy cat eating?
Not really. Cats that suddenly go off their food may be unwell. Talk to your vet rather than tempting with rich foods.
Is raw marrow safer than cooked?
Raw marrow avoids the splintering of cooked bone but brings bacterial risks. Neither is needed in a balanced diet.
Talk with a vet
If your cat has eaten something rich or chewed a bone and you are not sure what to watch for, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you plan next steps. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Pancreatitis in dogs and cats.
- Quimby J, et al. 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg. 2021;23(3):211-233.
- Freeman LM, et al. Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2013;243(11):1549-1558.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.