Cats, being natural predators, can eat raw meat and they even enjoy it. Catching mice, birds and other small animals comes naturally to cats. They gobble up the catch fresh, so it makes sense that raw meat could be good for them.
A growing number of pet parents hold the belief that a raw meat diet is closer to a feline’s natural diet. This makes it much healthier than store-bought cat foods. Yet this doesn’t necessarily mean that eating raw meat is the best choice. Raw meat poses risks that need to be explored before making a decision.
What Is a Raw Food Diet for Cats?
Uncooked meat, organs and sometimes even bones comprise a raw food diet. Those who advocate raw feeding for cats say that it aids better digestion, gives the cats shinier fur, and improves their health. Raw meat cat food is also considered to be better because they lack the fillers and preservatives rampant in commercial cat foods. Going all-natural for a cat’s diet is the ultimate goal for a lot of pet parents. PetMD argues that the best option is to go for commercial frozen raw cat food as there are fewer risks involved and the ones with AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy will offer high nutrition.
What Are the Risks of a Raw Diet for Cats?
Parasites and Bacteria
The VCA Animals Hospitals has also done research and found out that FDA and CDC stand firmly against using raw meat diets for pets. They are potentially harmful to animals and the person handling the food. Parasites and bacteria (Salmonella or E. coli) are often found in raw meat. When using raw meat for cats' feeding you can get a serious case of food poisoning. Felines also get sick if these parasites enter their stomach.
Nutritional Deficiency
Fresh doesn’t always mean healthy. The raw meat diet might severely lack all the nutrients that a cat needs. As a contrast, commercial cat food includes all the vitamins and minerals any feline will need to stay healthy. You cannot be sure that all those nutritional bases are covered when you prepare a raw meat diet yourself. A deficiency can affect their health in the long run and they might have to deal with weak bones or even heart problems.
Bone Pieces Can Be Dangerous
Cats chew on bones with gusto. This does not mean you should feed them bones. There is a huge risk involved as tiny bones can splinter resulting in choking or serious injuries. In worst case scenarios, a puncture to your cat’s digestive tract is possible. Chicken wings are the most dangerous bones in this regard.
If Feeding Raw Meat to Cats Is Dangerous, What’s a Safer Alternative?
If going for a cat diet raw seems a little too risky, what can you do instead? There are plenty of safer options to keep your cat in good health without all the worry. Raw feeding cats is not better than offering high quality commercial cat food with all the nutrients they need. You can easily feed these well-balanced foods to your feline and set your mind to ease.
Cooking meals at home is a great option, so just cook the meat thoroughly. This will eliminate bacteria and parasites. You can control what your cat eats, without taking risks associated with raw meat. It’s crucial to consult with your vet if your heart is set on raw feeding the cat. It might become a matter of life and death for your friend.
Conclusion
Can cats eat raw chicken and other meat? There is no question about their ability to consume raw meat; the problem lies with the potential risks. Bacteria and parasites pose serious health hazards and so do the nutritional gaps. For a responsible and loving cat owner, commercial cat food or home-cooked meals is a safer option. The feline’s health should be the main factor when deciding the best food for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats eat raw chicken? There are several risks like Salmonella bacteria that can make your cat seriously sick. Feeding raw chicken is always a possibility but if you want to avoid risks, it is better to cook the chicken well.
Can a cat eat raw bacon? Eating raw bacon is not at all safe. Bacteria and parasites can lead to deadly food poisoning, so avoid giving it raw.
Can cats eat raw meat like fish? They can eat fish. Parasites are always a problem with any kind of raw meat so always cook the fish. Some types of fish can affect vitamin absorption, so try different options and consult a vet.
