Can I give my Kitten Chicken?
Cooked chicken meat is perfectly safe for your kitten if served in small amounts, therefore, kittens can eat chicken.
As any wild cat would prey on birds as part of their diets, domestic kittens should have the same luxury of receiving the same nutrition, if not, better.
- Chicken consists of low fat nourishment
- Chicken is great for keeping your kitten’s gums healthy and pink along with strong teeth
- Kittens can eat chicken because it’s a good source of protein and calcium, keeping their fur coat thick and shiny
- Perfect for soothing your kitten’s GI system
- Chicken is a great source of post-sickness food
Preparing A Meal For Your Kitten
Cleanse the chicken under brisk running water, and pat dry. Pull the skin from the chicken and place into a sauce pan slightly larger than the chicken. Pour enough cold water into the pan to completely immerse the chicken.
Turn the heat of your stove to medium. When the pan starts to churn, leave the chicken to cook for at least 20 minutes, drain, and let cool before feeding. This way, your kitten can safely eat chicken.
Feeding Quantity and Frequency
Acknowledge that chicken should only be 10% of your kitten’s diet. When giving your kitten a dish, consider adding some ”sides” to the prepared meal. Chicken should be served to your kitten once a day, at the most 4 times a week.
There are a few sides you can give to your kitty alongside the chicken:
Cooked eggs
- Raw veggies such as asparagus and celery
- Spinach
- Fish Oils
- Oatmeal
- Cooked pumpkin
Warnings!
If your kitten hadn’t eaten chicken before, make sure to contact your veterinarian to make sure that you won’t upset your kitten’s digestive system.
- Never give your kitten chicken bones (the bones can splinter, and cause serious damage to your kitten’s tender stomach)
- Some chicken meat may be sold seasoned. Make sure to never give your kitten any chicken with spices, for it’s dangerous and could even poison your kitty.
- Never give your kitten raw meat because it could destruct your kitty’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.
- If you have only started your kitty on a new diet such as chicken meat, do not be afraid if your kitty refuses to eat it. Your kitten may simply not have an interest in chicken meat. However, if you notice your kitten gagging at the smell of chicken, contact your veterinarian immediately, for it could be a sure sign of food poisoning.
Additional Notes
Anemia: A condition marked by the deficiency of red blood cells
Food Poisoning: An illness caused by eating contaminated food. For a cat, any food with spices is considered contaminated.
GI system: Gastrointestinal Tract is an organ system within animals and humans that sends the food we take in to digestion.