Around Thanksgiving, a common question pet parents seem to ask is, “Can cats eat turkey?” While turkey itself is generally safe for cats in moderation, it’s important to be mindful of seasonings and other ingredients that may be harmful to their sensitive digestive systems.
Before sharing any human food with your cat, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian. They are better equipped to offer personalized advice based on your cat’s breed, age, and health conditions. Once you know what is safe for your cat to consume, you and your furry friend will be able to celebrate the holidays worry-free.
In the following sections, we’ll list cat-friendly Thanksgiving food recipes that your feline friend will love. From turkey and pumpkin bites to chicken and cranberry cookies, you and your cat will be spoilt for choice when it comes to yummy and healthy options.
Can cats eat leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
Leftover Thanksgiving turkey can be a safe and tasty treat for your cat, but it requires careful preparation. Consider this: turkey is a good source of protein — essential for a cat’s diet — however, the safety of feeding it to your cat depends on how it is prepared and stored. Here are the steps to properly clean and prepare leftover turkey for cats:
Remove the skin and bones
The skin is often seasoned and fatty, which can upset your cat’s stomach. Bones, especially cooked ones, can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause internal injuries.
Trim the fat
Cut away any visible fat from the turkey meat. You don’t want the excess fat to cause digestive issues for your cat and, over time, contribute to obesity.
Rinse the meat
Rinse the turkey meat under cold water to remove any remaining seasonings or gravy. This is done so that no harmful ingredients are left on the meat.
Cut into small pieces
Chop the turkey into small, manageable pieces that are easy for your cat to chew and swallow. This also helps prevent choking.
Store properly
If you’re not serving the turkey immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s consumed within a couple of days to ensure freshness.
13 best Thanksgiving recipes for cats
Get ready to treat yourWhip up a delicious and nutritious cat Thanksgiving meal! Here are 13 mouthwatering recipes that are sure to please even the most discerning cat palate — from savory turkey dishes to pumpkin delights. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll be recommending these best cat-friendly Thanksgiving food items to your fellow cat parents!furry friend to a Thanksgiving feast with these 18 delicious and dog-friendly recipes. You can make tasty turkey bites or treats with pumpkin from these recipes, and your dog is sure to love them. We’ve also included product recommendations for the recipe. You’ll find that some of the ingredients are multi-packs, which are intended for those of you who might want to donate them to dog shelters.
Turkey and pumpkin bites
Ingredients:
- Cooked turkey breast (shredded)
- Pumpkin puree
- Oats
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Mix the shredded turkey, pumpkin puree, and oats together. Form small bite-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until firm.
Salmon and sweet potato patties
Ingredients:
- Canned salmon (boneless and skinless)
- Cooked sweet potato (mashed)
- Egg
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Combine the salmon, mashed sweet potato, and egg in a bowl. Shape into small patties and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Chicken and cranberry treats
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken breast (finely chopped)
- Dried cranberries (unsweetened)
- Whole wheat flour
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Mix the chicken, cranberries, and flour to form a dough. Roll out and cut into small shapes. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes until crisp.
Tuna and cheese bites
Ingredients:
- Canned tuna (in water)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Rice flour
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Combine tuna, cheese, and rice flour to form a dough. Shape into small balls and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until set.
Turkey and carrot cookies
Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Grated carrot
- Oat flour
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Mix ground turkey, grated carrot, and oat flour. Roll out and cut into cookie shapes. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until cooked through.
Pumpkin and chicken jerky
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- Pumpkin puree
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Coat chicken slices with pumpkin puree. Lay on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F for 2 hours until dried and chewy.
Catnip and turkey Balls
Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Catnip
- Whole wheat flour
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Mix ground turkey, catnip, and flour. Form into small balls and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until firm.
Sweet potato and tuna mash
Ingredients:
- Cooked sweet potato (mashed)
- Canned tuna (in water)
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Blend mashed sweet potato and tuna together. Serve as a soft mash for a tasty treat.
Chicken and pumpkin stew
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- Pumpkin puree
- Chicken broth (low sodium)
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Combine chicken, pumpkin puree, and chicken broth in a pot. Simmer for 10 minutes and serve warm.
Strawberry and turkey loaf
Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Dried Strawberries (unsweetened)
- Egg
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Mix ground turkey, strawberries (you can crush the strawberries if you like), and egg. Shape into a loaf and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until cooked through.
Tuna and oat cookies
Ingredients:
- Canned tuna (in water)
- Oats
- Egg
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Combine tuna, oats, and egg to form a dough. Roll out and cut into small cookies. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes until firm.
Salmon and pumpkin muffins
Ingredients:
- Canned salmon (boneless and skinless)
- Pumpkin puree
- Egg
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Blend salmon, pumpkin puree, and egg. Pour into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until set.
Catnip and pumpkin cookies
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree
- Catnip
- Whole wheat flour
Products that might come in handy:
Method:
- Combine pumpkin puree, catnip, and flour to form a dough. Roll out and cut into cookie shapes. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes until crisp.
How we chose cat-safe thanksgiving foods
Thanksgiving is for everyone, and we wanted to make sure our furry friends could enjoy the holiday without any worries. So, we asked veterinarians and pet experts to list cat-friendly Thanksgiving food. We picked recipes that were safe for cats, meaning no onions, garlic, grapes, or raisins. Instead, we focused on lean proteins and yummy and tummy-friendly pumpkin puree. We also wanted to make it easy for you, so the recipes are super simple to follow. You can whip them up in no time!
FAQ
What Thanksgiving food can I give my cat?
If you’re wondering, “Can cats have turkey?” we have the answer for you. You can safely give your cat small amounts of plain, cooked turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. Just make sure these foods are free from seasonings, butter, and other additives. Always introduce new foods gradually and in moderation to avoid digestive issues.
Can cats eat smoked turkey?
Cats should avoid smoked turkey due to its high sodium content and potential additives like spices and preservatives, which can be harmful. Instead, you could offer plain, cooked turkey without skin or bones to ensure it’s safe and healthy for your feline friend.
What holiday foods can cats eat?
Some of the cat-safe Thanksgiving foods include cleaned and rinsed leftover turkey, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce (unsweetened), and even green beans in moderation. Too much can upset their tummy. Also, remember onions, garlic, and sugar are also bad for cats, so stay away from them.
Can cats eat turkey skin?
No, cats should not eat turkey skin. It can be difficult to digest and may contain harmful fats. Stick to plain, cooked turkey meat for a safe and healthy treat.
Can cats have bacon?
While bacon can be a tempting treat, it’s high in fat and salt, making it unhealthy for cats. Eating too much of it can lead to your cat gaining unhealthy weight and even cause other health issues. Offer bacon as an occasional treat in small amounts, and always consult your veterinarian.
