Why
The ASPCA warns that bones can cause choking, injure the digestive tract or cause a blockage in dogs and cats.
What to do instead
- Strip all bones before sharing any meat or fish.
- Bin carcasses where cats can't reach them.
Safer swaps from the same group: chicken, fish, salmon, turkey.
Watch out for
- Watch for gagging, vomiting, constipation or a painful belly.
If your cat ate bones
- Note how much your cat ate and when, and keep any packaging.
- Call your vet, an emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control ((888) 426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
- Don't make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Other meat, fish and eggs: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Fat trimmings and skin | Avoid | Best avoided. Fatty scraps can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis. |
| Meat baby food | Avoid | Best avoided. Meat baby food is often seasoned with onion or garlic. |
| Raw meat | Avoid | Best avoided. Raw meat can carry Salmonella and E. coli. |
| Eggs | Small amounts | Cooked egg is the only option to consider; raw eggs are a no. |
| Tuna | Small amounts | Only a little, once in a while. Tuna made for people should not be a regular part of a cat's diet. |
| Chicken | Safe | Yes. Plain, thoroughly cooked chicken with no bones, skin or seasoning is a safe treat. |
| Fish | Safe | Yes, if it is cooked, plain and boneless. Raw fish is best avoided. |
| Salmon | Safe | Yes, cooked and plain. Raw fish is not a good idea for cats. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your cat's daily calories . The rest should come from a complete cat food.
- Check labels for onion and garlic powder, which turn up in stock, gravy, baby food and seasoned meat.
- If your cat has a health condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease or a sensitive stomach, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Are bones safe for cats?
No. Bones can injure or block a cat's gut, which may need surgery.
What should I do if my cat ate bones?
Most cats are fine after a small amount, but watch for vomiting, diarrhea or a change in behavior, and call your vet if anything worries you.
Sources
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.