Can cats consume chicken bones? It is true that they love chicken at the end of the day. Thanks to their excellent sense of scent and a keen sense of smell, even the slightest smell of chicken can cause them to run away in the desire to taste the delicious food. If your cat has a strong attraction to this tasty food and has a streak of mischief and is able to consume chicken bones it is likely that you’re wondering if it is a good idea to concers.
Raw and cooked chicken bones can pose dangers for the health of cats, which include digestive tract damage as well as blockage, choking as well as infection. If your cat got an paw on a bone from a chicken and eaten the bone, read this article to learn what you need to do.
Why Shouldn’t Cats Eat Chicken Bones?
Cats are carnivores that are an obligate species wild cats hunt, and eat on small birds as well as other creatures, which includes their carcasses and meat that is raw. But, the typical prey for wild cats is smaller than chickens. The bones that are small (such like wing bones that are small) tend to become entangled and then pass through the digestive tract of the cat.
However, problems can occur but worms, parasites as well as digestive tract problems could be fatal in the populations of these groups.
Here are a few of the most common dangers of cats consuming chicken bones.
1. Damage To The Digestive System
Cats’ internal organs are delicate. The bones that are brittle and hard can cause unnoticed damages. Bones require a lengthy time to break down, even if cats chew them and they may result in a digestive blockage, which needs major surgery to clear.
Chicken bones cooked in the oven could be more hazardous since they can become more fragile and break quickly. The tiny shards could cut and break the stomach of a cat, as well as the esophagus, intestines as well as other organs in the internal system. Bones that are raw tend to be less likely to break but they still can lead to obstructions and tears.
The signs of digestive damage or obstruction include the vomiting of diarrhoea and not being able to pass any urine or poop, fatigue, refusing to eat or eat, and an improve in temperature. Vomit can contain bleeding if there has been tearing.
Also Read: Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken?
2. Infection
The consumption of raw food poses health hazards for cats and their pet. Bacteria, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter are present in meat that is raw, and can trigger illnesses like extreme diarrhea and vomiting. Microorganisms that grow and spread from the cat’s saliva, and even pee on people causing symptoms of food poisoning.
People who are vulnerable, such as older adults, children as well as those with immunosuppression are more susceptible to contracting infections in this manner however, these infections could cause illness in any person.
Signs of infection can include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, collapsing, fever and vomiting.
3. Choking
Consuming a sharp object such as a skeleton poses a risk of choking. Bones may get stuck on the roof of your cat’s mouth. Or within the cat’s throat leading to irritation, and possibly tearing on the delicate tissue. Inhaling bones accidentally can cause them to get lodged within the trachea (windpipe) and cause breathing issues that could prove life-threatening.
The length of the bone plays a major role when it comes to this – it’s popular belief that smaller bones like wings of a chicken are not as hazardous, since these smaller fragments can nevertheless hinder the airway or food pipe.
The signs of choking are gagging and drooling. Other symptoms include retching and pawing the mouth, attempting to breathe and then collapse.
When To Worry And What To Do
If your cat ate the raw meat of a chicken bone, don’t be concerned. Sometimes, the bone could be digested and go through the digestive system without difficulties. Cats may have mild digestive issues, like diarrhea.
Here are some quick options to take:
- Examine your cat as soon as you notice for signs of stress that may include difficulty breathing, vomiting or pawing the mouth or coughing.
- Make sure your cat is kept inside and in a secure area for you to keep an watch on your cat.
- It is important to warrant that all other meat or bones can be safely disposed of.
- Consult your doctor,and follow their advice.
- Give your cat with a soft moderate food for a couple of days in order to benefit the bone fragments from being absorbed as well as soothe any possible irritations in the intestinal tract.
- Watch the cat attentively.
Take note of the cat’s diet as well as stool and overall wellbeing over the next couple of days. If your cat seems poorly, you should take them to an animal veterinarian. Bones can be evident on xrays Your vet will verify that all is well internal. If the bone causes obstructions or tears or blockage, surgery might be needed, but it’s very risky to your pet at a significant price.
Aren’t Chicken Bones Good For Cats?
Certain people tout bones’ health benefits for cats, and suggest that the cats should consume the bones of chickens. Bones provide minerals, including calcium magnesium, potassium, as well as the mineral phosphorus. However, a balanced, high-quality cat food (either either kibble or wet) is also a good source of each of these micronutrients as well as other nutrients. The cat food options are readily accessible without the dangers of feeding bones.
If you’re looking to add bones to your cat’s diet, you can try including bone broth in the food your cat normally eats. The importance of nutrition is paramount to many aspects of life. Therefore, making sure the diet of your pet is nutritiously balanced and safe in relation to their age and life style is an essential part of an ethical pet owner.
Cats And Chicken Bones: Final Thoughts
A high-quality cat food as well as the right diet are crucial to keeping your cat healthy.
Bones could create several issues for cats when eaten, including choke and obstruction, or even tearing the digestive tract and an infection. The bones of chicken that are cooked have the highest risk since they’re more likely to break off and cause harm. But, uncooked bones are also not recommended. There’s not much debate over the issue of whether cats should consume bone fragments from chicken, particularly when they are fed bone broth in lieu. It is important to note that if your cat has consumed bone fragments from a chicken, consult your vet.