Can cats eat bones?
Quick Answer
No
Feeding bones to cats can pose a significant health risk. Bones can splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your cat’s digestive system.
Why It Can Be Risky
Feeding bones to cats can lead to several health issues:
- Choking hazard: Bones, especially small ones, can get stuck in a cat’s throat.
- Digestive tract damage: Splintered bones can puncture a cat’s digestive tract.
- Broken teeth: Hard bones can break a cat’s teeth.
- Nutritional imbalance: A diet too high in bones can lead to a nutritional imbalance.
Safe Alternatives
- Commercial cat food: These are specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of cats.
- Cooked meat: Small pieces of cooked chicken or fish are safe for cats to eat.
- Special treats: There are many cat-friendly treats available that are safer than bones.