🐱 Meats & proteins · vet-sourced verdicts
What meats and proteins can cats eat?
Plain, cooked and unseasoned — that's the golden rule of sharing meat with cats. The trouble starts with cooked bones, raw cuts and processed meats built for human taste buds. Every protein we've checked, sorted by verdict.
⚠️ If your cat got into a "never" item, act now — don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet or a poison line: ASPCA 888-426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661. 60-second emergency check →
✅ Safe in moderation (3)
🍗Cooked chickenCooked plain chicken is one of the best treats for cats — pure protein they’re built for.Yes🦃Cooked turkeyPlain cooked turkey is an excellent protein treat for cats. No bones, skin or seasoning.Yes🥩Cooked beefPlain cooked beef is a safe, protein-rich treat for cats. Keep it unseasoned and lean.Yes
⚠️ Caution — limits apply (12)
🐟SalmonCooked salmon is a great treat for cats, but raw fish and bones should be avoided.In moderation🐟TunaCats love tuna, but a tuna-only diet causes nutrition problems and mercury build-up.In moderation🍖HamA tiny bit of plain ham is non-toxic, but the salt and fat make it a poor choice for cats.In moderation🥓BaconA tiny bit of cooked bacon is non-toxic, but the fat and salt make it a poor and risky choice for cats.In moderation🌭SausageSausage is fatty, salty and often contains onion or garlic seasoning that is toxic to cats. Best avoided.In moderation🥩Cooked porkA little plain cooked pork is non-toxic, but it is fatty and raw pork is risky. Keep it occasional.In moderation🦐ShrimpPlain cooked shrimp is a popular treat for cats, but serve it peeled and never raw, and only occasionally.In moderation🥩LiverA little cooked liver is a tasty treat for cats, but excess vitamin A can harm the bones. Occasional only.In moderation🌭Hot dogHot dogs are salty, fatty and often contain onion or garlic seasoning toxic to cats. Best avoided.In moderation🍗Raw chickenCats handle raw meat better than people, but raw chicken still carries a bacteria risk and bones are a hazard. Talk to your vet before feeding raw.In moderation🍣Raw fishA steady diet of raw fish can cause a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency in cats, plus parasite and bacteria risks. The occasional bit of cooked fish is the safer choice.In moderation⬜TofuPlain tofu is non-toxic in tiny amounts, but soy is not suited to a cat carnivore diet.In moderation
🚫 Never — keep away (1)
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By the CanMyPet Editorial Team · Verdicts reviewed against ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Pet Poison Helpline · How we review →
CanMyPet provides general information reviewed against trusted sources (ASPCA, AKC, Pet Poison Helpline). It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian.