What Thanksgiving Food Can Cats Eat?

We all deserve to indulge a little, but what about your cat’s Thanksgiving dinner? 

While everyone else is enjoying their meal, you’ll probably want to give your cat something special too. But what Thanksgiving foods can cats eat? 

Thanksgiving Foods Cats Can Eat

Thinking of dishing up your cat’s turkey dinner? You’ll need to follow a few rules. Here are the dishes that are safe for your feline. 

Turkey (Unseasoned and Cooked) 

Cats are carnivores, so they need a lot of protein in their diet. So the best traditional Thanksgiving meal for cats will include turkey, of course! 

However, any turkey you feed your cat should be:  

• Unseasoned (ingredients like onion or garlic are toxic to cats) 
• Cooked 
• White meat  
• Skinless   
• A small amount (a 1-inch cube is sufficient)  

All human foods are considered treats for cats—and treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily diet.   

If you’re not having turkey, look to whatever animal-based proteins you’re serving. The following—as long as they’re plain, unseasoned, and fully cooked—can also be safe treats for cats: 

• Chicken 
• Eggs 
• Clams 
• Beef 
• Lamb 
• Tuna 
• Sardines 
• Salmon 

Again, cook all raw meat, fish, or poultry before you give it to your cat to reduce the chances of them—or the people around them—becoming sick from food-borne pathogens. 

Also, make sure these foods are bone-free. Bones, whether cooked or not, can splinter easily, potentially causing injuries in a cat’s mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. 

Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, and Yams 

Even though cats are carnivores, they can digest carbohydrates, and some cats really seem to enjoy them. 

If you’re mashing potatoes or cooking up some sweet potatoes or yams, it’s fine to offer a small amount to your cat if you follow the rules below. 

Potatoes should be: 

• Fully cooked and peeled: Raw potatoes and potatoes with the skin still on contain toxic levels of solanine. 
• Plain and unseasoned: Skip the dairy toppings (like butter, sour cream, and shredded cheese), since most cats are lactose-intolerant and these can lead to digestive upset. Avoid all seasonings—especially onions, garlic, leeks, or chives—as many are toxic to cats. 

Serve your cat a small amount: around 1 tablespoon or one ½-inch cube. 

Green Beans  

Another cat-friendly veggie, green beans are:  

• A good source of fiber 
• Full of vitamins C and K, which can help boost your cat’s immune system and improve coat health, among other benefits 

However, cats should only eat plain, cooked green beans—that means no green bean casserole, which may have a dairy-based sauce and toxic onions.  

Here are some tips for safely preparing green beans for cats:   

• Wash them. It’s best to use fresh green beans.  
• Serve cooked. Steam or boil the green beans without seasonings.   
• Cut green beans into small pieces. This prevents choking, especially in smaller cats.  

Start by giving your cat one or two small green bean pieces. If your cat tolerates them, you can increase the serving size to a few more pieces. 

Thanksgiving Foods Cats Can’t Eat

There are quite a few Thanksgiving foods that can make cats sick. 

Anything With Onions, Garlic, Leeks, or Chives 

Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives—and any seasonings that contain them—have sulfur compounds that damage a cat’s red blood cells.  

These damaged cells die faster than normal, which can lead to anemia (low red blood cell counts) and become fatal. 

Cats who have eaten onions, garlic, leeks, or chives can develop symptoms such as: 

• Weakness  
• Jaundice  
• Dark urine 
• Rapid or deep breathing 
• Loss of appetite 
• Abdominal pain 
• Diarrhea 

Even a small amount can be fatal, so it’s important to get emergency veterinary attention if your cat ingests onions, garlic, leeks, or chives.  

Chocolate and Anything Else Containing Caffeine 

While chocolate poisoning is common in dogs, it can also be a problem for cats. 

Chocolate contains methylxanthines (specifically caffeine and theobromine), which stimulate the nervous system and heart. 

Cats who ingest chocolate or anything that contains caffeine (such as coffee, tea, soda, or energy drinks) can develop: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Hyperexcitability 
• Seizures 
• High heart rate 

The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it usually contains, and therefore, the more dangerous it is for cats. 

Raw Meat 

Wild cats eat raw meat, but our furry family members should eat only cooked meat. That’s because raw meat is often contaminated with pathogens.  

Killing dangerous bacteria (such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter) as well as parasites is one of the most important reasons we cook meat. 

Common signs of foodborne illnesses in cats include: 

• Poor appetite 
• Lethargy 
• Abdominal pain 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 

Alcohol 

Alcohol is off-limits to cats. It depresses a cat’s nervous system, irritates their digestive tract, and can alter their acid-base balance. 

Some cats may drink an alcoholic beverage right out of the glass or lick it off the floor if it spills. Keep in mind that your cat may ingest alcohol from other sources, including unbaked yeast dough and desserts made with alcohol. 

Cats are very susceptible to alcohol poisoning because of their small size and sensitivity to alcohol.  

If your cat has ingested alcohol and shows any of the following symptoms, seek urgent veterinary care: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Increased thirst and urination 
• Lethargy and depression 
• Unsteadiness 
• Disorientation 
• Slow breathing 
• Tremors and weakness 
• Coma 
• Seizures 

What To Do if Your Cat Eats Toxic Foods

If your cat eats just a small amount of a food that is not considered toxic, keep an eye on them and call your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms like:  

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Poor appetite 
• Loss of energy 

If your cat has ingested something toxic, head to an emergency veterinary clinic. You can call Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661; a fee applies) on the way.   

What To Give Cats This Thanksgiving Instead

Feeding cats “people food” can be risky, so why not just give your cat a treat made just for them? 

You can also splurge on a special Thanksgiving dinner for your bestie, whether it’s a full meal or a topper or broth to mix with their regular food.  

Food isn’t the only way to show your cat you love them. A new toy is a great way to celebrate.