Can cats eat turkey?
Yes, a little plain cooked turkey is fine as an occasional treat. Remove bones and skin and skip seasoning, stuffing and gravy. Turkey on its own isn't a complete diet.
Updated:
Why
Cats Protection says plain cooked turkey is fine as an occasional treat but shouldn't be given regularly, as turkey alone lacks nutrients cats need. Turkey skin is high in fat and can cause digestive upset or even pancreatitis, and roast skin may carry garlic or herbs. Turkey bones can splinter and cause choking or blockages.
What to do
Offer a small piece first. If your cat gets vomiting or diarrhoea afterwards, stop and ask your vet. If your cat ate turkey bones, stuffing or gravy with onion or garlic, call your vet straight away.
How to give it
Plain cooked meat with no bones, skin or seasoning; a small amount, counted in the daily food.
Questions and answers
Can cats have turkey skin?
It's best not to. Turkey skin is high in fat and can cause digestive upset or even pancreatitis, and it may have touched seasoning or garlic.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Christmas dinner: Can cats eat turkey? — Cats Protection blog (1 Dec 2025, RVN Helen Crofts)
- Fall food dos and don'ts for cats — VCA Animal Hospitals (no date shown)
- Top tips for a cat-friendly Christmas — Cats Protection (2014-12-03)
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.