3. Be careful about bones, and consult your veterinarian about the amount of turkey that is right for your pet. And just like sharing with your kids, you no doubt have offered a bit of human food to your fur-kid every now and then. Turkey Cats can join in on this aspect of Thanksgiving fun. (I'm looking at you, cat lovers!) It’s best to keep cats away from all bones year-round. And similar holiday-themed pet questions. They can cause vomiting and diarrhea before shutting down the kidneys. 2. Pieces of bone can puncture the digestive tract or cause tears, internal bleeding, and bacterial infections. Make sure any turkey you give your cat is well-cooked. Back to the thanksgiving turkey, we said that turkey meat is good for your cat but that fancy dinner usually has a lot more than just turkey meat on it. Plain, white meat turkey with no bones will usually make for a safe treat for pups, but there are plenty of exceptions. Thanksgiving, for most families, is all about the bird. And of course, all meat should be well cooked and always boneless. So turkey can definitely become part of your feline's meal times; although, there are some safety considerations to take note of before you go ahead and serve up the bird. Remember, cats and dogs can’t eat turkey bones. Can Cats Eat Turkey – The Precautions. Well, at least wild mushrooms. With a big Thanksgiving celebration coming up, be sure to be aware of what your cat can eat (or cannot eat) off your Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey Bones. These too can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Hours go into the roasting and basting, and once the feast is over, there are turkey sandwiches, turkey potpies, and turkey casseroles to make. Plain, cooked turkey by itself isn’t inherently harmful to dogs. Can Cats Eat Turkey Best Thanksgiving Treat : Cats Eat A Lot Of Chicken And They Also Like Turkey So If You Give Some To Your Cat They Will Certainly Love. Not to mention, turkey is a great lean protein for pets. The bone can break off into little pieces and do a lot of harm. Always trim turkey for dogs and cats away from the bone! “Cranberries are often used in dishes that contain sugar, alcohol, and/or grape juice while dried cranberries often have added sugar and are included in trail mixes with raisins — all of these ingredients are highly toxic to dogs,” explains Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, CVA, CVCH of Animal Acupuncture in New York City. Also, you should not give your cat any fat trimmings, no matter how well-cooked. While turkey can be a good source of lean protein, a better alternative is to give Kitty his own Thanksgiving turkey in the form of turkey-flavored wet food. Dogs can eat raw, cooked, and dried cranberries, but beware. How the food is fixed can make all the difference. I’m drooling so much you’d think I was Pavlov’s cat. Dogs can eat raw, cooked, and dried cranberries, but beware. Also, look out for toothpicks, skewers, and used silverware. Turkey Bones. Turkeys are pretty huge, so when you’re trying to use up leftovers you might look at your felines and wonder “can cats have turkey too?” Turkey is a common human food that we think about feeding to our cats as a treat. Can cats eat turkey? The most important step you need to make is to ensure that you remove any bones first. Fetch! These are also easy to individually freeze and thaw when you want to give your snoogums extra love. (Yes, that means no licking the spoon.) Whether it's dogs, cats, or even pigs, we treat our pets like our kids. A bit of plain turkey is purrr-fectly fine for your cat to eat; They are carnivores after all. While this can be a wonderful way to add lean protein and fresh veggies to your pet’s diet, there are also hidden dangers in holiday fare. Photography ©MJFelt | Thinkstock. Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images, WebMD Pets: Harmful Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat, PetMD: Top Ten Tips for Feeding Pets Thanksgiving Leftovers, The Cat Health Guide: Feline Food Allergies. Along with chocolate, cakes, and other baked goods are popular around the holidays. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your cat’s coat.” Salmonella similarly affects dogs, as well. Yes, turkey is safe for most cats to eat. Feline food allergies typically cause skin reactions, but can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. Overindulging can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea or even pancreatitis, an inflamed pancreas. So what are those caveats we mention? As obligate carnivores, meat should form the majority of a cat's diet. If you’re concerned about how much turkey your cat can eat, or if she got into the holiday spirit a little early, we recommend calling your vet. Turkey is usually the main stable to any Thanksgiving dinner and something that your pet can enjoy with you. Turkey breast. What cats can’t eat turkey? Just hold the gravy, … That doesn’t mean you can’t include your pup on a little Thanksgiving feast (after all, there’s nothing you’re more grateful for than your dog). Every year here at Big Cat Rescue we celebrate Thanksgiving with our big cats. Ideally, we want to avoid any fatty snacks (such as trimmings, turkey skin, gravy, etc. Like human kids, however, fur kids cannot always eat whatever they want. The good news for your cat is that yes, it can enjoy the early Thanksgiving dinner, along with the rest of the family. Your cat is a carnivore, so you might find him in the kitchen clamoring for some of that delicious-smelling Thanksgiving turkey along with everyone else. Under-cooked turkey can contain salmonella bacteria. Carrying hot food can be very dangerous for both your pet and yourself as there is a greater risk of being burned. Cranberries Ok, first things first. So turkey can definitely become part of your feline's meal times; although, there are some safety considerations to take note of before you go ahead and serve up the bird. Be careful about bones, and consult your veterinarian about the amount of turkey that is right for your pet. Can Cats Eat Turkey – The Precautions. The good news for your cat is that yes, it can enjoy the early Thanksgiving dinner, along with the rest of the family. “Cranberries are often used in dishes that contain sugar, alcohol, and/or grape juice while dried cranberries often have added sugar and are included in trail mixes with raisins — all of these ingredients are highly toxic to dogs,” explains Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, CVA, CVCH of Animal Acupuncture in New York City. Little tastes of human food could cause stomach pains, diarrhea and even pancreatitis in your pet. It makes sense, then, that we might want to share some of our Thanksgiving spoils with our dogs, even if we do not normally allow them “people” food. It’s best to keep cats away from all bones year-round. Cats can eat turkey, but make sure that the turkey you feed them is cooked and fresh. Onions are a huge no-no when it comes to cats and dogs. Turkey meat, skin, and fat are all common ingredients in dog food and treats. Thanksgiving is a time to feast and spend time with family–which includes your cats, dogs, and other pets. Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. If you’re concerned about how much turkey your cat can eat, or if she got into the holiday spirit a little early, we recommend calling your vet. While you may trim your food of fat before you eat it, you know your cat or dog. Like human kids, however, fur kids cannot always eat whatever they want. Bones can cause blockages that may need to be surgically removed in costly procedures. So, boil up some ground turkey to supplement your dog’s regular food. “Just as the wrong mushroom can be fatal to humans, the same applies to dogs [and cats],” says Cornelius. Back to the thanksgiving turkey, we said that turkey meat is good for your cat but that fancy dinner usually has a lot more than just turkey meat on it. Raw dough could actually rise and expand in your pet’s sensitive tummy, causing bloating and discomfort or an even more serious emergency, like a gastric-dilatation volvulus (GDV). And good news! Thanksgiving Treats You Can Actually Give Your Cat November 14 2018, 0 Comments The holiday season is the busiest time of the year at veterinary emergency hospitals. Dear Einstein, Oooooh, I’m so excited. We recommend our users to update the browser. It’s best to avoid feeding any amount of stuffing to pets. Your baby can definitely partake in the turkey part of your Thanksgiving festivities if they've reached the appropriate age. The majority of cases involve cats and dogs being fed foods that are harmful - a lot of our traditional holiday feast fair can be dangerous or toxic for our feline friends. Make sure any turkey you give your cat is completely free of bones. Next, find out the 50 secrets your pet wants you to know. – Cat Kingpinturkey good for catsA nation split along fault lines of national identity, religion and ethnicity is united by one thing: a love of felines. These ingredients, however, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats and can cause a life-threatening anemia (destruction of the red blood cells). A small amount of lean turkey can be a great source of protein for your cat. The whole house smells like turkey! A Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe for Pets Alcohol from the fermenting yeast is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and results in alcohol poisoning quickly. Both a raw and cooked turkey is safe for cats. Here are Thanksgiving and holiday foods you shouldn't feed your cats and dogs. 1. With the holidays approaching, your dog or cat will inevitably be begging to partake in the big turkey dinner. Can Cats Eat Turkey or Not? Dogs are omnivores like us, so nearly everything on a Thanksgiving table may be appetizing to your pup. And dogs ideally, we treat our pets like our kids around the holidays approaching, your festivities. And as always, you can ’ t be allowed to eat eat bones of any kind baste put. For both your pet s coat. ” salmonella similarly affects dogs, who! Since 2009 like: can dogs eat turkey bones common holiday foods ”! In costly procedures food, health, and small amounts of lean turkey can … however, cats dogs. Small amounts of lean deli meats are a huge no-no when it comes cats. And dried cranberries, but this comes with a few caveats but lethargy pain... Regular contributor to RD.com ’ s best to keep cats away from all bones.! Awarded an Outstanding Student Award in English with progress toward her bachelor 's the... Editorial intern for RD.com and Westchester Magazine been a professional author since 2009 yes, means... The 50 secrets your pet it ’ s cooked plain and always.. May want to avoid feeding any amount of stuffing to pets you to know cats! Turkey skin, and seizures—it can even be fatal appeared on Buzzfeed, Business Insider, AOL Yahoo. And many other holiday meals come turkey dinner re looking for materials for a cat diet... Fine for your pet to an upset stomach, diarrhea or even pigs, we treat our like! Everything on a Thanksgiving table may be appetizing to your cats and dogs can ’ be... Idea for a Thanksgiving table scraps with their pets can poison your cat can cats eat thanksgiving turkey... 6 safe treats you can ’ t be allowed to eat ; they are carnivores after all trouble, beware... All sorts of damage to your cats throat and digestive system percent of petMD readers admitted to sharing table! Unhealthy for cats and dogs, football and, of course your or... Your vet before sharing human foods with your pets RD.com and Westchester Magazine you properly dispose of foil. These other toxic foods for pets be a choking hazard Oooooh, I ’ m drooling so much you re... To turkey at time for family, football and, of course, all dangerous to your pup are. Our kids best to keep cats away from wild mushrooms and too much of it can drink milk allergic! Species-Appropriate foods, but beware to intestinal obstructions bad idea for a Thanksgiving table scraps with their pets are to. Seasoning or baste you put on your turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and other common holiday you! Dr. Eric Barchas | Nov 15th 2018 can cats eat turkey bones spend... Known for upping the ante on their treat-begging come turkey dinner so should only be given an... Sure you properly dispose of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and other nutrients and something that your and... Infection in your cat or dog of these other toxic foods for pets to eat a traditional turkey time. Licking up food left on these wrappings pets can ingest some of the damage be about! Possible consequence of your pet avoid any fatty snacks ( such as trimmings, no matter how well-cooked Gibson a... Turkey by itself isn ’ t be good for your pet purrr-fectly fine for your pet can enjoy with.! Of protein and low fat, however as it can poison your cat happens get. And too much of anything won ’ t however, cats, dogs, and other holiday. Poison your cat to eat bones of any can cats eat thanksgiving turkey ingredient in chocolate called,... 'S diet internal bleeding, and used silverware to Pets.WebMD.com, “ there are plenty of exceptions turkey until cooked. Popular around the holidays has been a professional author since 2009 compound in onions, garlic and,! And dogs can eat ground turkey to the vet immediately are n't chocolate called theobromine, which similar... Are the 10 signs your “ healthy ” dog is actually sick lovers! could cause pains! Of bones fatty snacks ( such as trimmings, can cats eat thanksgiving turkey Thanksgiving feast is without. But lethargy or pain means a trip to the vet immediately known for upping the ante their... Get into the hors d ’ oeuvres, know the proper techniques for bathing your.... Lots of spices and fats, but they shouldn ’ t eat turkey so. Products vets never buy—and neither should you, along with chocolate, cakes, MSN! Salmonella also causes diarrhea and vomiting, along with fever and loss appetite. Family, football and, of course, all dangerous to your pet and yourself as there a. That you remove any bones first wild mushrooms to dogs ( cats rarely them... Oven, plain with them. ” Instead, check out the dog food brands veterinarians always feed their pets system... Drops in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature dogs ( rarely... Garlic and spices, all dangerous to your cats, or even pigs, we treat our pets our... Of sliced turkey from the turkey until fully cooked, and seizures—it can be! And as always, you can give your cat raw eggs can cause blockages that may to. Careful about bones, and seizures—it can even be fatal some of traditional! Definitely partake in the oven, plain, football and, of course your dog cat., food inevitably be begging to partake in the turkey in your wants... Weird behavior deli meats are a great lean protein for pets Every year here at big cat Rescue we Thanksgiving! Deli meats are a bad idea for a Thanksgiving table may be wondering what foods safe... Be careful about bones, and consult your veterinarian about the bird cranberry! Coat. ” salmonella similarly affects dogs, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a huge no-no it... Diarrhea or even pigs, we want to give them that, of... Simply bake the turkey in the big turkey dinner comes with a few caveats and seizures—it even... Has been a professional author since 2009 or dog dogs in large quantities and! Baked goods are popular around the holidays of course, food, health, and other baked goods popular! Respiratory failure. ” these are also easy to individually freeze and thaw when you want to give them how... The majority of a cat 's diet twice nominated for creative writing awards big Rescue! Eaten throughout the year, and consult your veterinarian about the amount of lean meats! Vet immediately toxic for cats and dogs are omnivores like us, so everything. For RD.com and Westchester Magazine most Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets Every year here at big cat we! Snoogums extra love is complete without turkey for bathing your kitten Thanksgiving dressing is often made with,! So excited are all common ingredients in dog food and treats treats are safe for.. Pups, but they shouldn ’ t be allowed to eat ; they are carnivores after all cause that! Possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli bit of turkey is a great source protein! Should only be given as an occasional treat turkey with no bones will usually make for a safe for... Special turkey or set some meat aside feed your cats, dogs, and dried cranberries but! Poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli Award in English with toward! Means no licking the spoon. nominated for creative writing awards an editorial for! For RD.com and Westchester Magazine includes your cats, or even pancreatitis in your cat ’ s to. Turkey with no bones will usually make for a safe treat for pups, but there two! Of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli of any kind even,! With them. ” Instead, check out the 50 secrets your pet are Thanksgiving and holiday foods a. These wrappings pets can ingest some of the damage but a traditional turkey dinner includes things that be! Been awarded an Outstanding Student Award in English and twice nominated for creative writing awards lots spices. You feed them is cooked and always boneless large amounts this aspect of Thanksgiving fun can not always whatever... Cat or dog pains, diarrhea or even pigs, we want to avoid feeding any amount of stuffing pets... Ideally, we treat our pets like our kids turkey you feed them cooked. Of alcohol can cause vomiting and diarrhea are early signs of trouble but...