Can Cats Eat Beef?

Yes, cats can eat plain, fully cooked beef in small amounts as a treat. Raw beef is not a good idea, because it can carry germs that make cats and people sick. Skip beef that is salty, fatty or seasoned with onion or garlic.

Is cooked beef okay for cats?

Plain cooked beef is fine as a small extra. Cornell Feline Health Center says an occasional treat from your plate is okay. It also says treats should be no more than 10 to 15 percent of the food your cat eats in a day.

Beef should not replace your cat’s regular food. A complete cat food is made to give your cat what it needs each day. A few pieces of beef are not.

Why is raw beef a problem for cats?

Cornell does not recommend raw meat for cats, as a meal or as a treat. It says raw meat can spread toxoplasmosis and other infections. The ASPCA also says raw meat can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.

The FDA says raw pet food is risky for pets and for the people who live with them. Handle all raw meat with care, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water after you touch pet food or treats.

How do I serve beef to my cat?

• Cook it all the way through.
• Keep it plain. No salt, onion, garlic, chives or sauces.
• Trim off extra fat. The ASPCA says fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and in some pets a painful swollen pancreas.
• Cut it into small pieces.
• Leave out the bones. The ASPCA says bones can block the gut.

Other kinds of beef

Can cats eat ground beef or hamburger?

Yes, if it is cooked all the way through and plain. Raw ground beef has the same germ risk as other raw meat. A hamburger from a restaurant is a poor choice. The bun, onions, sauce and salt do not belong in a cat’s diet. Give only a small bit of the plain cooked meat.

Can cats eat raw beef?

No. Cornell advises against raw meat for cats, and the FDA warns about raw pet food. If you still want to feed raw, talk to your vet first, and be very careful about washing your hands, bowls and counters.

Can cats eat roast beef?

Yes, a small piece of plain roast beef is okay. Remove any fat. Check the seasoning. Deli roast beef and roast beef cooked with onion, garlic or gravy are not good for cats. The ASPCA lists onion and garlic as harmful to pets, and says cats are at higher risk.

Can cats eat beef jerky?

It is best to skip it. The ASPCA says too much salt can make pets very thirsty and make them pee more. In bad cases it can lead to vomiting, tremors and seizures. Jerky is also often seasoned, so check the label for onion and garlic. If you want a dried treat, use one made for cats.

Can cats eat corned beef?

Not a good choice. The ASPCA warns that too much salt is bad for pets, and corned beef is a salted, cured meat. Corned beef dinners can also include onion and garlic. If your cat steals a bite, watch for vomiting or a lot of drinking. Call your vet if you are worried.

What if my cat ate raw beef or a lot of salty beef?

A small bite of raw beef will not always cause trouble, but it can. Watch your cat for the next few days. Call your vet if you see vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness or no interest in food. If your cat ate a lot of salty beef, call your vet right away, or one of the hotlines above.

Wash your hands, and clean any counters and bowls that touched raw beef.

What can I give my cat instead?

For other treat ideas, see our guides on whether cats can eat tuna, whether cats can eat eggs, and foods that are toxic to cats.