Can Cats Eat Turkey? Safe Cuts, Deli Meat and Holiday Rules
At holiday time, every cat in the house knows the smell of roasting turkey. Sharing a small piece is fine, as long as you choose the right piece. The difference between a safe treat and a visit to the emergency vet often comes down to skin, seasoning and bones.
Why turkey is a reasonable treat
Turkey breast is a lean source of animal protein, with little fat when the skin is removed. Like chicken, it supplies amino acids that cats need, and cooked turkey is easy to digest. For cats with a sensitivity to chicken, turkey can sometimes be a useful alternative, although the two proteins are related and some cats react to both.
As with any treat, balance matters. Turkey is not a complete diet, and it lacks calcium, taurine in the amounts cats need and other nutrients unless it is part of a formulated food. Keep it to a small addition to your cat's normal meals.
Safe preparation
- Choose plain, boneless turkey breast or tenderloin.
- Remove all skin and visible fat.
- Cook thoroughly with no oil, salt or seasoning.
- Let it cool, then cut into small, bite-size pieces.
- Serve a small portion, such as a teaspoon or two for an average cat, and store leftovers in the refrigerator.
A teaspoon of shredded turkey adds only a handful of calories, which is easy to fit within the roughly 10 percent of daily intake that treats should not exceed. Our free cat food amount calculator can help you work out what that means for your cat.
What to keep away from your cat
Skin and drippings. These are very high in fat and can trigger stomach upset or pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas.
Gravy and sauces. They are usually salty and often made with onion or garlic, which are toxic. See are onions and garlic toxic to cats.
Stuffing. Traditional recipes contain onion, garlic, herbs, butter and sometimes raisins, and none are good for cats. See are grapes and raisins toxic to cats.
Bones. Cooked turkey bones are brittle and splinter. Read more in can cats eat bones.
Deli and processed turkey. Sodium nitrite, salt and flavorings make these poor choices.
Raw turkey. It can carry Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can affect cats and the people who handle the meat.
The tryptophan myth
Many people believe turkey makes people and pets sleepy because of tryptophan. The amount of tryptophan in turkey is similar to that in chicken and many other meats, and it does not cause drowsiness by itself. If your cat is sleepy after a holiday meal, the more likely cause is a full stomach, a lot of excitement or something they ate that disagreed with them.
Holiday safety tips
- Put the carcass, wrapping and string in a sealed bin right away, since cats can reach and eat them.
- Do not leave plates or foil on low tables.
- Tell guests not to feed your cat. A "tiny bite" from five different people adds up.
- Keep decorations and candies away. Chocolate and some sweets are dangerous, as explained in chocolate toxicity in cats.
- Check that plants such as lilies, holly and mistletoe are not in your cat's reach. See lilies and cats.
Quick reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Best cut | Skinless breast or tenderloin |
| Safe form | Plain, boneless, fully cooked |
| Rough calories | About 1.5 per gram of cooked breast |
| Sensible treat size | A teaspoon or two of shredded meat |
| Avoid | Skin, bones, gravy, stuffing, deli slices, raw meat |
Leftover safety after a big meal
Cooked turkey is a perishable food. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking, keep them for no more than three or four days, and do not offer your cat turkey that has been sitting on the counter. Spoiled meat can cause serious vomiting and diarrhea. When you cut meat for your cat, do it first, before seasoning or sauces touch the plate, so you are not tempted to hand over a seasoned scrap.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, a painful or bloated belly, hunching, drooling or refusing food after a holiday meal deserve attention. Pancreatitis can follow a single fatty feast, and signs may appear a day or two later. If your cat seems unwell, call your vet instead of waiting for it to pass.
If your cat eats something it should not
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, a painful belly, drooling or straining. If your cat swallowed bones, string or foil, or you see signs of pain, call a vet promptly. Our US vet directory can help you find an emergency clinic, especially when your regular vet is closed for the holiday.
For a broader look at safe and unsafe foods, use the free cat food and plant safety checker. When unsure, ask your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
Is turkey better than chicken for cats?
They are similar. Both are lean proteins, and the better choice is whichever your cat tolerates. Rotating small amounts of different plain meats can add variety.
Can cats eat deli turkey?
It is not a good choice. Deli turkey is often high in sodium and may contain seasonings or preservatives, so plain home-cooked turkey is better.
Can cats eat ground turkey?
Plain cooked ground turkey without seasoning is safe in small amounts. Drain any fat, and cook it fully.
Can turkey cause pancreatitis in cats?
Fatty parts like skin and drippings can trigger pancreatitis in susceptible cats, so remove the skin and trimmings before sharing.
Sources and further reading
Pet food rules and nutrient standards come from regulators and professional bodies. Start here when you want the primary source.
- WSAVA Global Nutrition GuidelinesHow to judge a pet food and the company that makes it.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterToxic plants and foods lists, plus a 24-hour helpline.
- Pet Poison Helpline24-hour poison advice staffed by veterinary toxicologists.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.