Can cats eat turkey skin?
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
Rich fat can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or pancreatitis; give plain skinless meat instead.
Why
Turkey skin is too fatty and often seasoned for cats.
Can cats eat turkey skin, and why?
Turkey skin is too fatty and often seasoned for cats. Rich fat can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or pancreatitis; give plain skinless meat instead.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
Warning — what to watch for
Rich fat can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or pancreatitis; give plain skinless meat instead.
If your cat has eaten turkey skin, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
More foods cats might eat
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Handy kit for feeding cats well:
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat turkey skin?
Caution. Turkey skin is too fatty and often seasoned for cats.
What happens if my cat eats turkey skin?
Rich fat can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or pancreatitis; give plain skinless meat instead. If your cat has eaten turkey skin, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is turkey skin poisonous to cats?
Caution. Turkey skin is too fatty and often seasoned for cats.
Check turkey skin for another pet