boiled chicken for cats – Is boiled chicken good for cats?

We’re almost sure you read this title, and the first question that came to mind was, “Isn’t it so obvious?” But, unfortunately, the answer is not so simple.

You see, just like us humans, cats have also evolved. Today’s cat has a very different digestive system. One who is more sensitive compared to his ancestors. That is, before feeding your feline friend any juicy meat, the responsible thing to do is to consult a veterinarian first. Don’t assume that any type of meat is good just because you are an obligate carnivore.

Anyway, to answer the question, the answer is yes, cats can eat chicken, but…

Read this first!

Safety Considerations

So, it’s no secret that cats are carnivores. And carnivores are meat lovers. Feeding your cat cooked or even canned chicken will certainly see it as a snack, considering that the main dietary component of meat is protein. According to what most health books say.

What they don’t tell you is that cooked or canned chicken also has calories. And cats can only consume a certain amount. Therefore, if you have decided to change your diet to chicken, you will need to calculate the recommended amount of daily calories that you are supposed to consume.

Honestly, we can’t tell you what your cat’s caloric intake should be since that number varies. It depends on a number of factors including breed, overall size, and age. But we are 100 percent confident that any reputable, licensed veterinarian will have all the answers you are looking for.

Is it okay to marinate chicken?

Absolutely not! Those spicy ingredients will surely make the chicken tastier, but they can be harmful to the kitten’s health. Most marinades contain at least excessive amounts of salt for your cat and, at worst, may contain onion or garlic, both of which are potentially lethal to your cat. They could also be allergic to the ingredients and even if the cat doesn’t have a negative reaction to anything, there is no way to guarantee that whatever was used in the production of those ingredients won’t be harmful in the long term.

It is also best to serve only the meat and not the skin of the chicken. You have to remember this because it is really important. Most of the protein is found in the meat and not the skin. Chicken skin contains large amounts of fat and its consumption could easily lead to obesity problems.

Stomach upset and food poisoning

A domesticated or pampered feline will not have a digestive system designed to process raw meat of any kind. Unless you are the type of cat that enjoys hunting mice in the house. If you are looking to change their diet, you will have to be patient. Serve meat in small quantities, over a long period of time. Let’s say you serve him a small piece today and then another after a day or two. But not consecutive days.

Also, if you suspect the chicken is spoiled, throw it away, even if it’s not past its sell-by date. Any meat that is not fresh will cause the cat to experience an upset stomach, and that is only if you are lucky. The worst scenario involves vomiting and diarrhea.

Is Raw Chicken Good For A Cat?

It’s pretty obvious that you’re trying really hard to give your cat the best food out there by replicating a wild cat’s diet. And that’s a good thing, considering that raw chicken often ranks high on any nutritional contents table.

Raw meat will always have all its nutrients intact, unlike cooked meat. Additionally, they have no refined carbohydrates, which offer little to no nutritional value, and no additives or fillers.

However, you still need to think about the risks involved. And you will only be able to fully understand the extent of the possible risks if you do your homework. Discover the relationship between nuts and feline health in our guide. We explore the impact of nut consumption on your cat’s well-being and provide insights into making choices that promote a healthy and balanced diet.

According to medical experts, it is dangerous for humans to consume raw poultry. Do you know why that is? It is because raw chicken contains bacteria that cause different diseases. And although these diseases are less pronounced in obligate carnivores, they are still affected.

Raw or cooked chicken for my cat?

This is a topic that can generate a lot of debate since there are positions such as the BARF diet that propose a raw diet of protein and other elements as a way of eating. Cats can eat raw or cooked chicken meat as long as they do not have any type of allergy to it and consume it in appropriate quantities according to their size, age, and physical condition.

• Raw chicken meat for cats maintains all its enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, the digestive system of cats is prepared to digest raw meat, so there would be no problem. If you want to offer raw chicken to your cat, you must be very sure about its condition and origin to avoid the presence of parasites and bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella spp.,  Clostridium perfringens and Listeria monocytogenes
  as much as possible. Keep in mind that no matter how careful you are when handling chicken, these bacteria are resistant to water pressure and can also survive extremely low temperatures (if the chicken has been frozen).   
  
• Cooked chicken for cats maintains its excellent nutrients and also reduces the possibility of bacteria in your kitty-child’s body since the high temperatures of boiling water usually eliminate most of the possible pathogens present in this type of meat. 

Can chicken be marinated for cats?

Absolutely not! Including any type of marinade can be harmful to them. Let’s remember that ingredients like onion and garlic are super toxic for our kittens. Find out why sardines for your feline can be a tasty and nutritious addition to their diet. Explore the dos and don’ts of feeding sardines to ensure your cat’s well-being.

Artificial marinades usually have high amounts of these ingredients and also salt, not to mention all the artificial chemicals and preservatives. Including these in your diet to “give flavor” to your food can be harmful to your body.

Always go for natural, the best food for cats is one that does not have preservatives, colorings or artificial chemicals that can compromise their health. You also prevent allergies, digestive problems and diseases such as pancreatitis and kidney stones in cats.

Can I give raw chicken skin or bones to my cat?

Although chicken skin is not harmful to your cat, it is best to avoid giving it to your cat altogether. Let us remember that protein is found in chicken meat and that the skin contains large amounts of fat.

Frequent feeding of chicken skin to your cat can cause obesity and heart problems.

In addition, although cats are wild in nature, we also do not recommend giving raw chicken bones, much less cooked, since chicken bones are small and could cause suffocation due to obstruction or damage to the internal parts of the mouth, throat, or other internal organs if these bones were to splinter.

Is Chicken the Reason Your Cat Has Dental Problems?

We can’t blame the chicken alone, but yes, eating chicken can cause dental problems. The cat will first tear the meat into strips before attempting to chew it. During that process, some of the more fibrous parts could get trapped between your teeth, attracting bacteria. Bacteria lead to gum disease.

What Happens If The Cat Ate The Chicken Without You Realizing?

First of all, don’t panic. Panic will not help anyone or solve the problem. What you should do is relax and pay attention to the signs. We are talking about common symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, and signs of weakness.

Conclusion

Feeding boiled chicken to your cat can be a nutritious and enjoyable experience for both you and your feline companion. Its high protein content, ease of digestion, and moisture make it a favorite treat or supplement to your cat’s regular diet. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your cat’s diet. By providing your cat with balanced nutrition and a dash of boiled chicken, you’ll be ensuring their health and happiness.