Is chicken breast bad for cats?

Daolia
Daolia Icon representing the flag French
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Evening everyone,

I have a quick question about my Birman's diet. To be honest, at my parents' house there are three cats (all moggies) who are total scavengers ^^ especially my Nala who eats anything she can find (human food...). We've even caught her eating chickpea skins from the bin or even cooked onions... Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked. We used to give them chicken breast as a treat every now and then, and they never had any digestive issues.

However, when I adopted my Seal point, I heard that Birmans have very sensitive kidneys. I give him bits of chicken breast as a treat occasionally since he doesn't like chew sticks... For treats, he only likes liquid treats or chicken breast (he absolutely loves it), but is it harmful for him? I've only just thought about it. I don't want to cause any health problems because I'm not properly informed.

He also struggles a bit with crunchy treats because he's missing a few teeth ^^

Thanks in advance.

Translated from French
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    • K
    Kelinda Icon representing the flag French
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    Same goes for processed meats—it’s not good for them as it’s too salty and contains preservatives or even food colouring. You should always cook chicken to kill off any bacteria; maybe try poaching it in water or even using the microwave. Kidney problems are caused by an excess of certain minerals, amongst other things.
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    Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi again,

    Oh, kidney problems, don't even get me started... Let’s just say that dry food tends to encourage kidney issues because it's so dry. But then, who can really do without it? The most important thing is to give your cat a large portion of wet food every day for hydration and kidney health. Also, try to pick the 'least worst' dry food; none of them have a perfect recipe, but supermarket brands are definitely the worst. In a worst-case scenario, a cat developing crystals can switch to Royal Canin Urinary; they are far too high in carbs, but they’re very effective for kidney issues.

    Personally, I give my three cats grain-free dry food plus a big daily serving of wet food. So far, none of the three have had any kidney problems.

    No, never give a cat raw meat. I can’t remember the list of diseases that can be carried by raw meat that cats are prone to (I have the list somewhere).

    @Le bronzé,

    Hi! We haven’t seen much of you lately. There aren’t many of us left on the 'night shift', don't leave me hanging!

    Translated from French
    Daolia
    Daolia Icon representing the flag French
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    RE- The chicken sold as mini fillets or breast fillets—raw, of course—pre-packaged, usually in the meat aisle of the supermarket where you find the pre-packed burgers. I buy a pack of chicken mini fillets (just a standard supermarket brand) every week for my ferret. It’s obviously human-grade chicken, so it’s perfectly fine. The ferret eats it raw, but for the cat, it’s better to cook it without any added fat. Got it, thanks a lot! 😃 Never any raw meat? I was so used to my cats eating just about anything! ^^ Any tips for avoiding kidney issues?
    Translated from French
    Blue_Cat
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    Hi again,

    The chicken is sold as mini fillets or breast fillets—raw, of course—and pre-packed. You’ll usually find it in the meat aisle at the supermarket, right where they keep the pre-packed burgers and mince. Every week I pick up a pack of chicken mini fillets (just a standard supermarket brand) for my ferret. It’s obviously human-grade chicken, so it’s perfectly fine. My ferret eats it raw, but if it’s for a cat, it’s better to cook it first without any added fat or oil.

    Translated from French
    Daolia
    Daolia Icon representing the flag French
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    So yeah, in that form it's not great because of the salt content. On the other hand, real chicken is brilliant for cats (and cheaper than the pre-sliced stuff).

    Hello!

    Thanks for your reply. Well, it looks like His Lordship will only be getting chicken from the butcher from now on then. A proper little king.

    Any tips on the best ways to avoid potential kidney issues?

    Translated from French
    Daolia
    Daolia Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, chicken breast is very healthy for cats; it’s even recommended to feed them only that if they have serious tummy troubles until they’ve recovered. Just plain cooked chicken breast with no added fat. However, the 'sliced' chicken sold in plastic packs in the deli aisle is often far too salty.

    Thanks Blue Cat for your reply. What would you recommend then? Fresh chicken breast from the butcher’s that isn't pre-sliced?

    That's a relief because he absolutely loves it; he’s even been doing little forward rolls to get some and he goes cross-eyed just looking at it… 😍

    He's totally ruled by his stomach, this cat 🤣

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    So yeah, in that form it's not great because of the salt content.

    On the other hand, proper chicken is brilliant for cats (and cheaper than buying the pre-packed slices).

    Translated from French
    Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, Chicken breast is very healthy for cats; it's even recommended to feed them only that if they have serious digestive problems, until they’ve recovered. It needs to be cooked chicken breast with no added fat. However, the sliced chicken sold in packets in the deli aisle is often far too salty.
    Translated from French
    Daolia
    Daolia Icon representing the flag French
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    PS: it’s sliced chicken breast!

    Translated from French

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