Can cats eat bones?
Also called: bone, chicken bones, fish bones, cooked bones, raw bones
Caution
Can break teeth, block the gut, or splinter and pierce it.
No. Bones can fracture teeth and get stuck in the gut, and cooked bones can splinter and pierce the throat, stomach or intestines. Some injuries need surgery.
When it's a problem
- Cooked bones are more likely to shatter or splinter.
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Bones can fracture teeth and lead to obstructions in your pet’s gut.
Read "How To Choose Safe Holiday Foods for Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Dogs/cats might sustain injury or obstruction to the gastrointestinal tract when ingesting bones, which could be serious and require surgery.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Bones can fracture teeth and lead to obstructions in your pet’s gut.
Cooked bones are also more likely to shatter or splinter, potentially puncturing the esophagus, stomach or intestines.
Read "How To Choose Safe Holiday Foods for Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Dogs/cats might sustain injury or obstruction to the gastrointestinal tract when ingesting bones, which could be serious and require surgery.
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Cooked bones are also more likely to shatter or splinter, potentially puncturing the esophagus, stomach or intestines.
Read "How To Choose Safe Holiday Foods for Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026