The short answer: Yes and no.
The long answer: Chicken bones may be eaten by your pet cat, but only if these bones are served raw. Cooked chicken bones are brittle and may become sharp, fragmented pieces once your cat munches on them. When consumed, these jagged parts may pose as choking hazards or injure your cat’s gastrointestinal system. They can tear through her throat, stomach, and/or intestines.
Though it is not recommended for cats to eat raw chicken, uncooked chicken bones are another matter. These may be fed to your cat since they contain minerals such as calcium, which can help keep her bones strong and her coat beautiful. Chewing on raw chicken bones can also help clean her teeth and strengthen her jaw.
RSPCA recommends feeding meaty chicken bones to your cat such as the neck, wings, and drumsticks. The bones should be large enough so your cat will find it difficult to fit the whole bone into her mouth or swallow it whole. Give the raw bones once or twice a week, with breaks in between each serving. Limit feeding your cat raw chicken bones to avoid constipation.
What to do if your cat accidentally eats cooked chicken bones: Monitor your cat’s behaviour over the next few days. If you notice any changes such as bloating, vomiting, or lack of appetite, call your veterinarian immediately.
In summary: Containing nutrients that will benefit your cat, chicken bones are packed with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur, and iron. Keep an eye on your cat as she enjoys a piece of raw bone. Never allow her to eat cooked chicken bones as these may cause airway blockage and internal injuries.
References:
Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat
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