By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Chicken is the treat most cats go wild for, and it is one of the few human foods vets are generally comfortable with in small amounts. That does not mean any chicken, in any form, is fine. Cooked bones, seasoning and raw meat each carry their own risks, and a cat living on chicken alone will miss out on nutrients it needs.
Key takeaways
- Plain boiled or steamed chicken can be offered occasionally, according to RSPCA Australia.
- Never feed cooked chicken bones. They can splinter and cause blockages or internal damage.
- Raw chicken is not recommended by RSPCA Australia or Cornell's Feline Health Center because of the risk of bacteria and other infections.
- Keep chicken free of onion, garlic and sauces. Cats are especially sensitive to onion and garlic.
- Treats, including chicken, should stay under 10 to 15 percent of daily calories.
Why cats like chicken
Cats are obligate carnivores. RSPCA Australia explains that they cannot be healthy without the nutrients found in animal tissue. Chicken is a familiar, highly digestible meat, so it is no surprise most cats enjoy it.
But plain chicken is not a complete diet. Cats need nutrients such as taurine, vitamins and minerals in the right balance, and a complete commercial cat food is designed to supply those. Chicken works best as a treat or topper, not a replacement.
How to serve cooked chicken safely
RSPCA Australia says cooked meat such as boiled or steamed chicken may be offered occasionally, as long as no cooked bones, onions, onion sauces or other toxic substances are eaten. In practice:
- Use plain chicken breast or thigh meat
- Boil or steam it with no salt, oil, butter or stock cubes
- Remove all bones and skin
- Cut it into small pieces and let it cool
- Offer a few pieces, not a bowlful
Cooked bones are a real danger
RSPCA Australia warns that cooked bones can splinter and cause potentially fatal internal damage or blockage. Chicken carcasses in the kitchen bin are a common way cats get hold of them, so keep bins secured.
Raw chicken
Some owners feed raw chicken because cats in the wild eat raw prey. Both RSPCA Australia and Cornell's Feline Health Center advise against raw meat for pet cats. Cornell notes that raw meat can carry toxoplasmosis and other infectious diseases, and RSPCA notes raw meat and bones can carry bacteria that make both animals and people ill.
If you are considering a raw diet, talk to your vet first, ideally one with an interest in nutrition.
Seasoned and takeaway chicken
Roast chickens, fast food chicken and leftover stir fries often contain garlic, onion, salt and sauces. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes cats as the most susceptible species to onion and garlic toxicosis, especially from concentrated forms like powders. Fatty skin and pan juices can also upset a cat's stomach. Plain chicken you have cooked yourself is the safest choice.
How much chicken is okay?
Cornell's Feline Health Center suggests treats should not exceed 10 to 15 percent of a cat's daily calories. For most cats that means a few small pieces of chicken, not a full serve.
Signs your cat did not agree with the chicken
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Gagging, retching or pawing at the mouth (possible bone)
- Straining, a tender belly or not passing faeces
- Lethargy or loss of appetite
- Pale gums or weakness days after eating seasoned chicken
When to call a vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline
Call your vet promptly if your cat ate cooked bones, or if it is retching, gagging or straining after eating chicken. Do not try to pull out a bone stuck in the throat yourself.
Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) if your cat ate chicken seasoned with onion or garlic.
Seek urgent care for repeated vomiting, a swollen or painful belly, collapse or breathing difficulty.
Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.
How vets help
Depending on what was eaten, your vet may examine your cat, take X-rays to look for bone fragments, or run blood tests if onion or garlic was involved. For an upset stomach, they can advise on supportive care.
FAQ
Can kittens eat chicken?
A few small pieces of plain cooked chicken are generally fine for kittens, but their main food should be a complete kitten diet.
Is chicken broth okay?
Many broths and stock cubes contain onion, garlic and salt. Use only the plain water you boiled chicken in, with nothing added.
Can I feed my cat only chicken?
No. Plain chicken lacks the full balance of nutrients cats need. Speak to your vet before changing your cat's diet.
My cat has a sensitive stomach. Is chicken a good option?
Your vet may suggest a bland diet in some cases. Follow their specific advice rather than switching on your own.
Talk with a vet
If you have questions about treats, diet or a chicken mishap, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- Animal Poisons Helpline (Australia, 1300 869 738). Animal Poisons Helpline | 24/7 Pet Poisoning Advice.
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.