Gallus gallus domesticus
Why is it safe?
Plain cooked chicken is safe for cats and is an excellent lean protein source. As obligate carnivores, cats are well-adapted to metabolize animal protein. Many veterinary prescription diets use cooked chicken as a primary protein. No toxic compounds are present.
Symptoms
None expected. Overfeeding may cause transient soft stools.
What To Do
No action needed.
Notes
Never give: raw chicken (Salmonella and Campylobacter risk), seasoned chicken (onion powder, garlic powder, and salt are all toxic), cooked chicken bones (cooked bones splinter and can lacerate the GI tract), or chicken skin (high fat content, pancreatitis risk). Always debone completely before offering.
Sources
→ Cornell Feline Health Center — vet.cornell.edu
→ ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (non-toxic confirmation)