Horse skin should be avoided for cats. Dried skin or rawhide-type chews are unsuitable, difficult to digest, and can cause choking, intestinal blockages, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Quick verdict
- For cats: to be avoided.
- Keep in mind: no rawhide, no thick sticks, no large pieces.
Horse skin and cats: a treat meant for dogs
This type of chew treat is usually designed for canine jaws. For cats, the dense texture and compact collagen increase the risk of the treat getting stuck in the digestive tract.
What are the potential benefits?
They are virtually non-existent for cats.
- No significant nutritional value.
- The mechanical risks outweigh any potential benefits.
Risks you should know about
- Torn pieces: risk of digestive blockages.
- Tanning process: possible irritating chemical residues.
- Bacteria: vomiting and diarrhea.
How much should you give?
No amount is recommended. Do not give this to your cat intentionally.
Dried or treated?
Both should be avoided for cats, especially if the product is thick or pressed.
How to avoid accidents?
- Do not give any chewable skin to your cat.
- Keep dog treats well out of reach.
- Use appropriate feline treats instead.
At-risk cats
- Food-driven, greedy cats.
- Cats with sensitive digestion.
- Senior cats.
- Cats with a history of bowel obstruction.
My cat swallowed some: what should I do?
Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or lethargy. Contact a vet immediately if a large piece has been swallowed.
How can APPETTO help?
APPETTO helps you identify unsuitable treats, compare cat products using the Pet-Score®, and make safer choices. Download APPETTO.
FAQ
Is horse skin toxic to cats?
It is mostly too hard and poorly digested rather than strictly toxic.
Can my cat chew on rawhide?
No, it should definitely be avoided.
What signs should I look out for?
Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain.
Can a greedy cat eat it?
No, the risk of obstruction is very high.
Is dried skin safer?
Not really, it remains unsafe for cats.
What alternative should I choose?
A properly formulated feline treat.
Horse skin is too risky for cats. To compare more suitable products, APPETTO helps you with the Pet-Score®. Download APPETTO.
Credits and disclaimer
Credits: Content created by the APPETTO team based on referenced sources and our internal food scoring methodology.
Disclaimer: This information is general and does not replace professional veterinary advice.