No, cats should not eat cooked bones because it might cause injury.
As obligate carnivores, cats thrive on predominantly meat-based diets. Depending on the body part, the chicken, pork, or turkey you prepare for your cat may include cooked bones. Though it may be tempting to offer the entire piece of meat to your pet cat, the cooked bones may cause more harm than good. Allowing your cat to chew on cooked bones can cause them to break into small, sharp pieces. These brittle pieces can tear your cat’s mouth, tongue, throat, esophagus, and stomach. The fragments may also block her airway or intestines.
Moreover, the cooked bones may have been prepared with ingredients deemed unsafe for cats. Salt, onion, and garlic are common seasonings that are toxic for feline pets. Too much salt can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, incoordination, and excessive thirst or urination. Onion and garlic consumption, on the other hand, can damage your cat’s red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia, and methemoglobinemia.
What to do if your cat accidentally eats cooked bones: Remove visible bone fragments from your cat’s mouth as carefully as possible. Contact your veterinarian and set an appointment as needed.
Observe your cat over the coming days, noting any differences in her mood and behaviour. Watch for signs of intestinal obstruction. These include bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, lethargy, stomach pain or swelling, cold body temperature, crying, and unwillingness to lie down.
In summary: Never give your cat cooked bones from any type of animal. Though bones are packed with calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, you are better off getting these minerals from safer sources. Instead of cooked bones, find out which other food types such as fruits and vegetables you can safely feed your pet cat.
References:
Can My Cat Eat That? 30 Foods Cats Can and Can’t Eat
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