Can cats eat cooked meat?

Updated 06/09/2024

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 obligate 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 or cause pancreatitis, as well as lead to weight gain.

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. Remember though, that any extra meat is extra calories, and treats should only make up 10% of your cat’s diet, too much and they will gain weight.

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! Added ingredients for flavour such as onion and garlic are toxic to cats, and lots of oil can give them an upset tummy. 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 Out of date, spoiled or raw meat should be avoided at all times as feeding any of these to your cat will usually make them ill.

Can cats eat beef?

Yes, cats can eat beef - cats are obligate carnivores, so must have animal protein to make up the majority of their diet, with minimal carbohydrate. Not only is beef high in protein, it’s also packed with other nutrients including iron, zinc, vitamin B complex and taurine - an amino acid that’s essential in a cat’s diet.

Home-cooked beef can be served to cats, as long as it’s given in bite-size pieces and without any seasonings or other ingredients harmful to cats, like garlic. And if you’d rather avoid the risk, take your pick from the many commercially-available cat foods containing beef. 

And as ever with serving your kitty anything new, be sure to look out for signs of a food allergy, which include rashes, itchiness, hair loss and gastrointestinal irritation.

Can cats eat beef jerky?

No, beef jerky is not suitable for cats. It’s seriously high in salt, which can cause health complications if over-consumed, including vomiting, diarrhea and even kidney failure. Even just a tiny amount can make them poorly. Instead, opt for snacks specifically formulated for the feline digestive system.

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, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!

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
• Broccoli 
• Carrots
• Apples and pears (if deseeded)