Can cats eat cooked meat?

Updated 12/05/2023

Ever wondered if it’s safe to feed your cat the meat you’ve cooked at home or maybe even share a nibble straight from your plate? Can cats eat cooked meat just because it’s safe for us humans? Well cats are carnivores, but like any other human food, it’s best to stay cautious, so let’s take a look.

Can cats eat cooked meat?

Cats are carnivores, so it’s a big yes for this one! Meat that’s fully cooked all the way through is perfectly safe for cats. In fact, it’s a great treat for your feline friend. Meat is naturally high in protein and contains a variety of nutrients that cats need to stay healthy, so it’s a pretty high-quality snack on the health front. 

It’s important to remember to introduce any new source of protein gradually into your cat’s diet. Feeding them large amounts of one type of new meat can potentially make them sick. It’s also vital to steer clear of any cooked meats with large proportions of fat in them, such as deli meats, as this is unhealthy and can upset their stomachs.

Is cooked meat good for cats?

Cooked meat can be a healthy snack for our feline friends, but it shouldn’t provide the entirety of your cat’s diet. Why? Well commercially-available cat food contains all the nutrients your cat specifically needs. Tailored to their health needs, age and weight, cat food from the shelves is a sure way to keep your kitty healthy. With that said though, cooked meat is a healthy snack, providing the protein and various nutrients they need.

Feeding cats cooked meat

If you’re wondering can I feed my cat cooked meat from my plate, well this is a little more complicated. It turns out that there’s actually quite a lot of food that us humans enjoy that’s pretty unsafe and sometimes poisonous for our feline friends. So, cooked meat for cats needs to be completely plain and cooked all the way through - no sauce or seasoning in sight! As us humans like to cover meat in sauce and sprinkle on spices and herbs, it’s best to cook your cat’s meat separately to be on the safe side. Out of date, spoiled or raw meat should be avoided at all times as feeding any of these to your cat will usually make them ill. 

Health benefits of feeding cats cooked meat

As a pet parent, you’ll know that cats thrive on a meat-based diet, which means cooked meat is a central part of healthy, cat-safe dinners. The protein found in cooked meat has health benefits no end for our kitty pals, helping them to maintain a strong heart, good vision and a healthy reproductive system.  

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Other foods that are safe for cats

While there are a number to avoid, there are many human foods that are safe for cats, especially in small amounts. Start getting clued-up on what cats can and can’t eat with our handy list below.

• Cooked fish
• Eggs
• Bananas
• Bread
• Oatmeal
• Brocolli 
• Carrots 
• Apples and pears (if deseeded)