Why?
Cats are obligate carnivores, and chicken delivers high-quality, easy-to-digest animal protein. Dark meat has a bit more taurine than breast, but also more fat. Cooked and unseasoned, it's one of the best extras around, but on its own it isn't a complete meal: it lacks calcium and several vitamins cats need.
How much?
A few small bites, about a tablespoon, as a treat or mixed into the regular food. Cook it all the way through, boiled or steamed, with no salt, garlic or onion, and remove the skin and every bone. Keep treats under about 10% of your cat's daily calories.
The risks
- Cooked bones that splinter and can injure the mouth or gut
- Fatty skin: vomiting or diarrhea
- Garlic or onion seasoning, which is toxic to cats
- Salmonella or Campylobacter in raw or undercooked meat
- Nutritional gaps if chicken replaces complete cat food
Your cat ate some: what now?
A bit of plain chicken needs no action. If your cat stole seasoned chicken, skin or bones, keep an eye on them for 24 to 48 hours and call your vet for vomiting, diarrhea, straining, lethargy or belly pain. Don't try to make your cat vomit if a bone was swallowed.
Better options
Turkey, rabbit or a little cooked egg are great ways to mix things up. For actual meals, stick with a complete and balanced cat food.
Common questions
Can cats eat raw chicken?
It's best not to. Raw chicken can carry Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can make both your cat and your household sick. If you're interested in raw feeding, work with a vet so the diet is safe and balanced.
Can cats have chicken broth?
Homemade broth with no salt, onion or garlic is fine in small amounts and can help a cat drink more. Store-bought broth and bouillon cubes usually contain salt and onion or garlic, so skip those.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.