Yes, cats can eat chicken bones. However, they should be cooked first to avoid any potential health risks. Raw chicken bones can splinter and cause digestive or choking issues.
It’s not uncommon to see a cat nibbling on a chicken bone or any bone. After all, cats are natural carnivores and love the taste of meat. But is it safe for them to eat chicken bones? In this blog post, we’ll explore the question, “Can cats eat chicken bones?” We’ll cover the dangers of chicken bones for cats, what to do if your cat eats a chicken bone, and how to stop your cat from eating a chicken bone
Table of contents
Why Might My Cat Want To Eat Chicken Bones?
As humans, we are instinctively drawn to shiny and new things.
This is especially true for cats, who adore playing with new objects.
As a result, many cats will go out of their way to try and get their hands on shiny objects, such as chicken bones.

There are a few reasons why cats might enjoy eating chicken bones.
For one, chicken bones contain a high level of calcium which is essential for maintaining bone health in cats.
Additionally, chicken bones can provide your cat with essential nutrients and minerals needed to stay healthy.
And finally, some people believe that eating chicken bones may help relieve stress or anxiety in cats.
So if you’re wondering why your cat is constantly trying to scarf down a pile of chicken bones, then don’t worry – it’s just another example of how cute and playful these animals can be!
Is It Safe For Cats To Eat Chicken Bones?
There are a few risks associated with cats eating chicken bones.
The most common risk is that the bones can become stuck in the cat’s throat and cause choking.
This can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Chicken bones can also cause intestinal blockages, which can be life-threatening.
If your cat has eaten chicken bones, there are a few things you can do to prevent these risks:
- Keep your cat’s food storage area clean and organized – keeping food accessible and easy to access will help reduce the chances of your cat eating dangerous items such as chicken bones.
- Feed your cat canned or dry food only – this will reduce the likelihood that your cat will eat any bone, including those from poultry.
- If you notice that your cat has eaten chicken bones, take them to the vet for examination and treatment as required.
The Dangers Of Your Cat Eating Chicken Bones
Like most pet owners, you probably give your cat access to the bird feeder or the garage to eat.
But what happens if your cat eats chicken bones?
In fact, according to the ASPCA, cats can choke on those bones and die as a result.
So you must know about the dangers of your cat eating chicken bones and take steps to prevent them from happening.
The first danger is that chickens are killed for their meat, which means they have been given antibiotics and other drugs.
These drugs can get into the flesh of a chicken bone and be eaten by your cat.
This can cause serious health problems for your cat, including kidney failure or death.
Another danger is that when a chicken bone is chewed up enough, it becomes a cat toy.
Cats love to play with toys and chew on things, so if your cat has access to chicken bones in this way, they will likely chew them up too much and end up swallowing them.
Again, this can lead to serious health problems for your cat.
So how do you avoid these dangers?
The best way is to keep all food out of reach of your cats (including bird feeders!).
If something looks suspiciously like a chicken bone (it may have feathery bits), don’t give it to your kitty – take it inside instead!
And make sure you always supervise any pets while they’re playing – just in case they decide to chow down on some raw poultry!
What If My Cat Ate A Chicken Bone?
If your cat has eaten a chicken bone, monitoring them closely is essential.
If your cat swallows a chicken bone, it could splinter and cause choking or perforate its esophagus.
Also, cooked bones are more dangerous than raw bones, as they’re more likely to crack.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you’re concerned that your cat has eaten a chicken bone.
If your cat has eaten a chicken bone, you should immediately take them to the veterinarian.
If the bone is small enough, they may be able to pass it without medication.
However, if the bone is more significant or there is any suspicion of obstruction, it will need to be taken for an x-ray and surgery.
If your cat has swallowed a cooked bone, it is essential to get it out as quickly as possible without causing further damage.
You can try using warm soapy water and a plunger or call an emergency veterinary clinic for help.
How Can I Stop My Cat From Eating Chicken Bones?
Cats should not eat chicken bones.
Chicken bones can splinter and choke your cat, and raw chicken bones can also be dangerous.
If your cat has eaten chicken bones, contact your veterinarian immediately.
To prevent your cat from eating chicken bones, keep them out of reach.
If you catch your cat eating a bone, take it away and try to figure out where it came from.
You can also place a paper towel over the bone to make it less tempting for your cat.
Finally, if all else fails, talk to your veterinarian about safe ways to feed your cat chicken without giving them chicken bones.
Should I Give My Cat Raw Or Cooked Chicken Bones?
When it comes to feeding your cat, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
The first thing to consider is what kind of bones are safe for cats.
Different types of bones can be dangerous for them if they’re not cooked properly.
For example, raw chicken bones can be deadly if ingested by a cat.
On the other hand, cooked chicken bones are generally safe and suitable for cats.
There are also some risks associated with feeding your cat chicken bones.
For instance, if your cat eats too many raw or cooked chicken bones, it may develop gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.
In addition, cats that eat lots of chicken bones may become obese due to the high amount of caloric content in these bones.
Finally, if your cat does manage to ingest a chicken bone, there’s a slight chance it could get stuck in its throat or windpipe and cause severe injury or death.
If you think your cat has eaten a chicken bone, the best action is to take them to the veterinarian immediately.
Depending on the situation, they may require surgery to remove the bone from their system without further damage safely.
My Vet Says No Chickens Bones For Kitty: What Now?
If you’re like most pet owners, you’ve probably heard the rumors about raw chicken bones being bad for cats.
And while many of these rumors are unfounded, there is one true thing: cats can have chicken bones as long as they are adequately cooked.
That said, it’s also important to be aware of the dangers associated with raw chicken bones.
For example, raw chicken bones can splinter and get stuck in your cat’s esophagus or intestines.
If your cat accidentally eats a bone this way, it may start to choke, vomit, or experience constipation.
In cases like these, it’s essential to call your vet immediately.
Never give your cat cooked bones from the table – even if they seem safe!
This is because even cooked chicken bones can be dangerous for cats if they manage to get them into their mouths.
To Summarize
Conclusion and final thoughts 💭
Cats are natural carnivores and love the taste of meat, but is it safe for them to eat chicken bones?
Chicken bones can splinter and choke your cat, and raw chicken bones can also be dangerous.
If your cat has eaten chicken bones, contact your veterinarian immediately.
To prevent your cat from eating chicken bones, keep them out of reach.
FAQs
What to do if my cat ate cooked chicken bones?
If your cat ate cooked chicken bones, the best thing to do is to watch them closely for any signs of distress.
If they seem to be in pain or having trouble digesting the bones, you should take them to the vet.
Otherwise, there is no need to worry, as cats can digest bones just fine.
Can cats eat chicken bones raw?
No, cats should not eat chicken bones raw.
Chicken bones can splinter and cause internal injuries.
What are the symptoms of cats eating chicken bones?
Cats eating chicken bones may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation symptoms.
In severe cases, they may also experience intestinal blockages.
If your cat displays any of these symptoms, it’s essential to take them to the vet immediately.