Why?
Lamb provides quality protein, iron and zinc, and many cats love it. It's fattier than poultry, though, so trim the visible fat, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Like any raw meat, raw lamb can carry bacteria and parasites, Toxoplasma in particular.
How much?
A few small pieces of lean meat now and then, cooked through, with no fat, bones or salt. Roast lamb is often rubbed with garlic, so only share meat that hasn't touched garlic or a marinade.
The risks
- Fat: vomiting or diarrhea
- Garlic rubs and marinades, toxic to cats
- Cooked chop bones that splinter
- Raw meat: Toxoplasma and bacteria
- Salty gravies and pan juices
Your cat ate some: what now?
A bit of plain cooked lamb is no problem. If your cat ate fat, garlicky meat or a bone, watch them for a few days and call your vet for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums or belly pain. Don't try to make your cat vomit if a bone was swallowed.
Better options
Lean beef, chicken or turkey, cooked plain, make equally good treats and are often leaner.
Common questions
Can cats eat lamb bones?
No. Cooked bones turn brittle and can break into shards that injure the mouth, esophagus or intestines. Strip the meat off and throw the bone away somewhere your cat can't reach.
Is lamb good for cats with food allergies?
Lamb was once a go-to for sensitive cats, but it's now in many cat foods, so it isn't always a new protein for them. If you suspect an allergy, your vet can set up a proper elimination diet.
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.