Can cats eat fatty meat?
It's best not to. Fatty meat and poultry skin can upset a cat's digestion and, in sensitive cats, may even lead to pancreatitis. If you share meat, give a little plain, lean, cooked meat with no skin, bones or seasoning.
Updated:
Why
Too much fat can affect a cat's digestive tract, especially the pancreas. Cats Protection warns that turkey skin is high in fat and can cause digestive upset or even pancreatitis in sensitive cats, and a University of Georgia vet advises avoiding the fattier pieces of ham altogether.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Tummy upset
What to do
If your cat ate a lot of fatty food, or is vomiting, has diarrhoea or seems in pain afterwards, contact your vet for advice.
How to give it
Only plain, cooked, lean meat as an occasional treat: no skin, fat, bones or seasoning.
Questions and answers
Is chicken or turkey skin OK?
No. Cats Protection says turkey skin is high in fat and can cause digestive upset or even pancreatitis in sensitive cats. Give skinless meat instead.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Christmas dinner: Can cats eat turkey? — Cats Protection blog (1 Dec 2025, RVN Helen Crofts)
- Clinical assistant professor advises against allowing cats to eat ham — UGA Today, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine (18 Apr 2025)
- Cats and human foods — Cats Protection
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.