Can cats eat bones? It’s a question that many pet lovers have, and the answer may surprise you. While it’s not advisable to give your cat bones from your dinner table, some types of bones are safe for them to consume.
Keep reading to learn more about what kinds of bones are safe for cats and how to properly prepare them.
What happens if my cat eats a bone?
If your cat eats a bone, there are a few things you should be aware of. Unfortunately, cats can easily choke on bones, especially if the bone is too big for their mouths. Additionally, it can cause serious damage to their intestines and digestive system due to sharp edges and splintering.
To ensure that your cat’s health is not at risk, you should check with your vet immediately if your cat eats a bone – even if you think that no harm has been done.
Your vet will be able to assess the situation and help provide them with the proper treatment. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to bones to keep your cat entertained such as toys or treats!
What bones are safe for cats?
When most people think of bones for cats, they automatically think of the “throw them a bone” variety. But some bones can be dangerous for cats, so it is important to know which are safe and which are not.
Cooked bones from poultry, pork, beef, and fish can splinter and even stick in the throat or damage the stomach and intestines.
The safest bone for cats is a plain raw meaty bone. Raw meat bones contain their natural properties that will help clean teeth while providing essential proteins. Make sure that any bone you feed your cat is raw and big enough so the cat cannot swallow or choke on it whole.
What bones can cats not eat?
Cats love to eat, but there are some things they should steer clear of if you want to keep your feline friend safe and healthy.
Bones are the main one; cats cannot digest them properly, and it can cause a very dangerous blockage in their intestines. There’s also the danger of splintering, with sharp pieces possibly damaging their digestive tract or cutting the lining of their throat and stomach.
If you have leftover cooked bones from dinner and are wondering whether Fluffy can eat them, a general rule is it’s best not to feed them anything too hard for them to chew. So stick with crunchy kibble that’s been specially made for cats instead!
Is it OK to give cats chicken bones?
When considering whether to give your cat chicken bones, it is important to be aware of the dangers that come with such a decision. While cats themselves may be curious about the flavor and scent of cooked chicken bones, they pose a serious hazard due to their brittle nature.
If a bone is ingested, it can easily splinter while inside your cat’s digestive system and cause cuts, internal bleeding, and other potentially fatal injuries.
Therefore, it is best to provide cats with toys specifically designed for them as treats or snacks, instead of giving them any type of poultry bones.
With a wide selection of safe toys available on the market and some simple investigation into the safety guidelines for pet toys, you can give your feline companion the treats they crave without risking their wellbeing.
Conclusion: Can cats eat bones
When it comes down to it, feeding your cat bones is not the best idea if you want him or her to remain happy and healthy. Bones will not provide cats with any of the nutritional benefits they need, and like most animals’ bones, they can splinter, which can lead to serious health issues for cats.
Additionally, cats may also experience gastrointestinal upset from consuming bones. Some people have suggested that raw chicken bones are softer, but these too can present a choking risk and some potential gut-related complications.
Moreover, there is a litany of more suitable food types for cats that will supply them with their dietary and nutritional needs without potentially harming them in any way at all.
All in all, opt for safer choices when it comes to giving your feline companion any treats – this includes steering clear of anything bone-based to avoid any potential side effects down the line.
