The short answer: Yes, but in limited amounts.
The long answer: Usually more expensive than beef, pork, and chicken, lamb is meat derived from a sheep that is less than one year old. It is packed with protein, niacin, iron, zinc, and vitamins B2 and B12, which are good for cats. However, lamb can only be eaten by cats in small amounts due to its high fat and cholesterol content. Consuming too much lamb on a regular basis may result in obesity and other health complications.
Just like other meat types, raw lamb should not be fed to your cat without your veterinarian’s consent. Vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss are just some of the symptoms your cat may experience if she accidentally feeds on uncooked lamb with parasites or bacteria.
How to feed lamb to your cat: When cooking lamb, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Thoroughly cook all the parts and discard the fat before serving bite-sized slices to your cat. Do not use any sauces, herbs, or seasonings (such as salt, garlic, and onion) to add flavour to the lamb.
If you’re feeding her lamb for the first time, start off by giving her one small piece. Observe how she reacts to it in the next 24 hours. If no unusual symptoms appear, let her eat an additional piece the next time.
Here are three ideas for lamb treats your cat will love:
- Let your cat try this meal consisting of ground lamb and brown rice.
- Give one or two strips of cooked lamb as a snack, never going over 10% of her recommended daily intake.
- Try this homemade chunky meat, egg, and rice meal using lamb.
In summary: Lamb can be fed to your cat in limited quantities as long as she falls within a healthy weight range. Since some cats are allergic to chicken and beef, lamb is a good meat alternative you can offer. Remember to consult with your veterinarian to find out how much and how often you can give lamb to your pet.
References:
Can My Cat Eat That? 30 Foods Cats Can and Can’t Eat
