Meat · updated 2026-09-12
Can cats eat chicken?
Yes — cooked, plain and boneless. Cats love it.
Why
Chicken is exactly what a carnivore wants: lean protein. Cooked bones splinter; raw chicken carries bacteria. It should complement, not replace, a complete cat food because it lacks taurine balance and other nutrients.
How to serve it
Boil or bake plain, remove skin and bones, shred. A few pieces as a treat or to tempt a poorly cat.
If they eat too much
Choking or gut injury from cooked bones; nutritional imbalance if it becomes the whole diet.
How much chicken for my cat?
A daily maximum for a healthy adult cat, kept inside the 10% treat rule. Enter body weight.
Up to 8 g a day — about 1 tablespoon · cooked, boneless, shredded.
Treats of all kinds should stay under about 10% of daily calories. Puppies, kittens, seniors and pets with a medical condition: ask your vet first.
And for dogs?
Safe. Yes — cooked, plain and boneless. Can dogs eat chicken? →
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This guide is general information for healthy adult cats, based on published veterinary guidance (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, AKC, VCA). It is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your cat's weight, age and medical history. If you are unsure, ask them before sharing any human food.