Why cats can have it
Cats are carnivores, and beef is a nourishing meat with plenty of protein, iron and zinc. Well-cooked lean beef without seasoning does a cat no harm and makes a good treat, given in small pieces now and then.
Beef alone is still not a complete food for a cat, so it should not replace a balanced cat food. Fatty pieces can upset the stomach, raw meat can carry bacteria and parasites, and some cats have a food allergy to beef.
How to give it
- Boil or roast the beef with no salt, oil or seasoning.
- Trim off the fat and take out the bones.
- Cut it into small pieces.
- The first time, give very little and watch how your cat feels.
What to watch out for
- Fatty meat can cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Raw or undercooked beef can carry bacteria and parasites.
- Cooked bones splinter into sharp shards and can injure the throat or gut.
- Some cats have a food allergy to beef, which shows as itching, vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Mince from a cooked dish can contain onion or garlic, which are dangerous for cats.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
-
Fat
Not safeFatty pieces can upset the stomach, so it is better to trim them off.
-
Bones
Not safeCooked bones splinter into sharp shards, so never give them to a cat.
-
Raw beef
Not safeIt can carry bacteria and parasites, so cook the meat through.
What to give instead
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning is one of the best treats you can give a cat. Safe
- Eggs Yes, a well-cooked egg, boiled or cooked without fat, is fine for a cat, but it is better not to give a raw egg. Safe
- Fish Yes, in moderation: plain cooked fish with the bones removed makes a good treat, but it should not replace a complete cat food. In moderation
Looking for a treat?
The "Cat treats" category compares prices for 3,876 products across shops. It is a product category, not a recommendation of what to give.