One of the best treats for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, so lean animal protein is exactly what they thrive on. Plain cooked chicken — boiled, baked, or poached, no seasoning — is highly digestible, low in fat, and loved by most cats. It's also perfect as a food topper or a bland diet to settle an upset stomach (with your vet's okay).
How to serve it
- Cooked thoroughly, plain — no butter, oil, salt, onion, or garlic.
- Boneless and skinless — remove all bones; skin is fatty.
- Cut into small, bite-sized pieces, cooled down.
How much?
Chicken is a treat/topper, not a complete diet (it lacks the full balance of nutrients like taurine levels and calcium your cat needs from complete food). Keep treats within about 10% of daily calories — see our cat food calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Can kittens eat chicken?
Yes, small amounts of plain cooked chicken are fine, but kittens should mainly eat complete kitten food for growth.
Is chicken good for a sick cat?
Plain boiled chicken is a common gentle food for a cat with a mild upset stomach, but check with your vet first if your cat is unwell.
More: tuna · eggs · full cat food checker.