Bones
Verdict
Never — splinter and can perforate organs.
If your cat ate this
Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.
- 1. Call your veterinarian immediately
- 2. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- 3. Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (consultation fee applies)
A consultation fee may apply for poison control hotlines.
Verdict
Cooked bones splinter into sharp shards that can puncture the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines, causing internal bleeding, infection, or death. Even raw bones carry risks — they can fracture teeth, cause choking, or create intestinal blockage. Cats are smaller than dogs and more vulnerable to bone fragments. Never give a cat bones of any kind.
Symptoms to watch for
- • choking
- • pawing at mouth
- • bloody stool or vomiting
- • abdominal pain and distension
- • constipation
- • lethargy
What to do
If your cat swallowed a bone, contact your vet promptly — do not try to induce vomiting. Emergency surgery may be needed if perforation is suspected.
📞 US ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435