Is raw chicken safe for cats? Can cats safely consume raw chicken? How should I prepare raw chicken for my cat? Maybe your cat ate some raw chicken and you’re freaking out about it.
Perhaps you are out of cat food or your cat is scratching at your legs while you are preparing raw chicken.
The risks and rewards of feeding your cat raw chicken are addressed in our comprehensive guide, which also includes helpful advice for keeping your cat healthy and safe.
Before you decide to feed your cat raw chicken or any other raw diet, arm yourself with knowledge. What follows is essential information.
Can My Cat Eat Raw Chicken?
Raw meat-based diets and raw treats may be illegal if your cat is meant to be an emotional support animal rather than a pet.
This rule is in place in many nations to ensure the safety of the people who will be receiving the services of these animals.
If your cat is destined to be an emotional support animal, you should always verify the regulations regarding such pets before making any drastic dietary changes.
Some cat owners believe that feeding their feline companions a raw meat diet is the healthiest option.
The raw meat of a wide variety of animals is the primary source of nutrition for wild cats. Raw pet food tries to mimic this system for cats.
A raw meat diet carries its own set of dangers, just like any other type of diet. Raw chicken is safe for your cat to eat, but there is always the chance of contamination if the chicken wasn’t properly sourced or handled.
Salmonella is the most dangerous of the many bacteria that can be found on raw meat and cause illness in humans.
E. coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria are just some of the bacteria and parasites that can contaminate raw meat. However, it’s important to note that many of these risks can be mitigated if you buy your raw chicken from a reputable source.
Pasteurized raw meat, for instance, is preferable to unpasteurized raw meat in terms of safety.
An upset stomach is another possible side effect of your cat eating raw meat when they are not used to it.
However, this danger is not unique to feeding raw meat to cats; it also occurs whenever you abruptly switch your cat’s diet or give them an unusually large amount of food.
Always introduce new foods to your cat very slowly and in very small amounts so you can observe your cat’s reaction.
It goes without saying that if your cat starts acting funny after consuming something new, you should rush them to the vet. Diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, and excessive gas are all symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
Salmonella is a serious threat to public health all over the world, not just in cats.
If your cat regularly consumes raw meat treats, including chicken, you should periodically check the news for the latest information on confirmed incidences, as they are always announced by the relevant local authorities.
Last but not least, while raw chicken can be part of a cat’s diet, it’s not ideal.
A good place to start if you’re curious about a raw meat diet is with suppliers who specialize in raw meat pet food.
If you have any questions about your cat’s diet or nutrition, you should talk to your vet or a feline nutritionist.
Health considerations
Make sure it’s raw chicken, but that’s not all you need to know. Domestic cats, for instance, have evolved to the point where commercial diets are their first choice and nutritional gold standard.
Raw chicken has both positive and negative effects on a cat’s health. We’ve summed up the dangers of feeding your cat human food and the measures you should take before doing so.
Is raw chicken good for cats?
There may be advantages to providing your cat with a raw meat diet. If your cat only ever gets raw meat as a special treat, however, you probably won’t see any of these.
Raw chicken may have some positive effects on a cat’s health.
Possible Positive Effects of Raw Food Diets on Health
- Some research has found that diets high in raw meat make it easier to absorb certain nutrients.
- Potentially better immunity was found in a study where cats fed a raw meat-based diet for 10 weeks compared to cats fed a commercial moist diet, with the former group showing a significant increase in some white blood cells. However, the effects of long-term feeding of a raw diet and the potential benefits of these alterations have not been thoroughly evaluated as of yet.
There are also anecdotal advantages to consuming a diet high in raw meat. Despite the lack of conclusive research and proof, advocates of this diet plan claim significant benefits. Among these are:
- Enhanced hair and skin health
- Reducing Halitosis
- increased vitality
- Changed conduct
- Decrease in the prevalence of diseases like obesity
These advantages have not been conclusively proven because the popularity of raw meat-based diets is growing faster than scientific investigation into them.
Is raw chicken bad for cats?
Every cat owner wants the best for their pet in terms of nutrition and health. Chicken isn’t as bad as other foods that cats shouldn’t eat, like chocolate and grapes, but they still shouldn’t eat them. On the other hand, it’s not exactly a protein powerhouse.
Cats are carnivores and can safely eat raw chicken, but you shouldn’t give it to your cat on a regular basis.
In fact, many scientific reports state that eating raw chicken can put you at risk for a wide variety of illnesses. According to one study, a cat died of salmonella after eating raw chicken.
Salmonella was found in 3.8% of young chicken samples tested in a more recent study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Despite farmers’ and processors’ best efforts, salmonella can still be a problem when eating raw chicken.
Amino acids in chicken
Essential amino acids for cats include taurine, arginine, methionine, and cysteine.
Raw chicken lacks the vitamins and minerals found in premium cat food. Taurine, an amino acid essential to feline health, is absent. This deficiency can lead to hair loss and reproductive problems, among others.
Salmonella
Despite common belief, feeding your cat raw chicken can cause food poisoning. Even though cats have a shorter digestive tract and strong stomach acids, they are not completely protected from diseases like salmonella.
Salmonellosis, an infection spread by eating raw chicken, is one such example.
Salmonella infection symptoms include:
- diarrhea
- fever
- vomiting
In addition to looking exhausted, your furry friend may also be losing weight quickly. In such a case, prompt attention from a qualified local veterinarian is required.
Salmonellosis in kittens and older cats
Salmonellosis is more common in kittens and older cats because of their compromised immune systems.
Listeria
Listeria is another illness that could spread from a cat eating raw meat.
Listeria monocytogenes (a bacterium) causes listeria infections and is commonly found in contaminated water, soil, and meat from cattle and poultry.
Listeria symptoms include:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- fever
- tiredness
Listeria can be fatal for cats if not treated.
Feeding Your Cat Raw Chicken
You should only feed your cat raw chicken from establishments that have the required health and safety permits and licenses to operate in your area.
In the event that any raw materials are recalled by your government, be sure to keep an eye on the news.
You should not feed your cat any recalled ingredients, and you should dispose of them as directed by the relevant authorities.
If you plan on feeding your cat raw food, consult with your veterinarian or a feline nutritionist first.
If your cat has never had raw meat before, it’s best to introduce it gradually while keeping an eye out for any negative reactions.
It’s very challenging to make sure a pet eating nothing but raw meat is getting all the nutrients they need. As a result, regular visits to the vet for your cat are essential.
Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with the best care for your cat by performing routine welfare checks and diagnostic workup, which may include blood analysis, serum biochemistry, urine tests, and fecal tests, to learn more about your cat’s health and wellbeing.
As was previously mentioned, these examinations are crucial to your cat’s health due to the inconclusive nature of the research on raw diets.
Other cat chicken feeding questions
How much raw chicken can I give my cat?
This is the number one question our veterinarians get about raw food diets for cats.
The activity levels, ages, amounts of sleep, health, and genetics of cats all vary widely.
Similarly, the raw chicken you feed your cat won’t have the same nutritional value as the chicken we or people in other parts of the country or the world have access to.
A healthy amount of raw chicken for your cat can be determined by following some simple guidelines.
Our recommendations apply to cats of one year of age or more. Cats, kittens, and pregnant or nursing mothers need twice as much food per pound of body weight as older cats and dogs.
The average daily amount of food a cat needs is 2-4% of its body weight, according to veterinarians. If your cat weighs 10 pounds, that works out to 3 percent, or 4.8 ounces per day.
| Feline mass | 2% | 3% | 4% |
| 8 lbs | 2.56 | 3.84 | 5.12 |
| 9 lbs | 2.88 | 4.32 | 5.76 |
| 10 lbs | 3.20 | 4.80 | 6.40 |
| 11 lbs | 3.52 | 5.28 | 7.04 |
| 12 lbs | 3.84 | 5.76 | 7.68 |
There are 16 ounces in a pound, so multiply the cat’s weight in pounds by 16 to get the answer. Then, multiply that number by the percentage figure (e.g. 0.03) you need to determine.
So, multiply your cat’s weight by 16, or 10 pounds, to get 160. Then multiply 160 by 0.04, which is 6.4 ounces to get your 4%.
After a few weeks of giving your cat raw chicken using the above formula, reevaluate its weight and make any necessary adjustments to its diet. Your cat’s weight should be kept stable.
Can cats eat raw chicken bones?
You were informed that, in moderation and after proper preparation, raw chicken can be fed to a cat. But, is it safe to give a cat a bone from a chicken?
Veterinarians and animal behaviorists alike concur that it’s beneficial for cats’ teeth and minds to be given breakable bones to carefully chew on. Calcium, which is found primarily in bones, is an essential nutrient.
Raw chicken bones, according to some experts, are preferable to cooked bones because the latter are more likely to splinter in your cat’s stomach.
There are currently no studies confirming this in the digestive system. Following the guidance of your own veterinarian is the safest option. You can just call and inquire.
Whether you decide to give your cat cooked or raw bones, keep a close eye on him or her afterward and check for any signs of intestinal distress.
Do not feed your cat bones again if you see blood or if it is having digestive problems, vomiting, gas, or any other issue.
Can cats eat raw chicken liver?
If we eat chicken liver, then surely cats can too, right?
When compared to other types of raw meat, chicken liver has more beneficial nutrients. Protein, calcium, vitamin B, iron, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and other essential and desired nutrients can all be found in plentiful amounts.
You should only give your cat a very small amount of raw chicken liver. If you don’t, your cat might end up with the runs. You’ve been put on notice!
Can cats eat raw chicken necks?
Chicken necks, which are composed of numerous tiny bones, are a rich source of essential nutrients.
Minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus can be found in abundance in these foods. They’re a great treat for your cat to chew on, but you should keep an eye on him or her if you give him or her raw chicken necks to ensure there are no problems with chewing or digesting.
Can kittens eat raw chicken?
If adult big cats can eat raw chicken, is it okay for kittens to do the same?
In a word, yes. Your kitten can safely eat raw chicken. However, as with grown cats, it’s best to feed them cooked food in small amounts.
De-boning the chicken and cutting it into smaller pieces than you would for an adult cat is also highly recommended when feeding raw chicken to your kitten.
The main worry with feeding cats raw chicken, as with the adult cat section of this article, is that it is not rich in the right nutrients for cats, especially kittens.
For optimal health and development, a kitten’s diet must contain all the essential nutrients.
While a raw diet for your kitten is possible with the help of your vet, the best option is to feed your kitten premium cat food that provides all of the nutrients it needs to develop into a majestic and healthy adult cat.
Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Organs?
In small amounts, raw chicken organs are safe for your cat to eat. Before feeding your cat any organs, it’s best to get the OK from your vet or a feline nutritionist.
My cat licked or ate raw chicken. What should I do?
If you have a cat, it’s especially risky to leave raw chicken out. The meat may be contaminated with salmonella or another bacterium, and it has not been prepared for a cat’s consumption.
Keep an eye out for signs of illness in your cat, especially if it licked or ate raw chicken.
- diarrhea
- fever
- tiredness
- lack of hunger
- vomiting
Salmonella infection, which causes salmonellosis, is potentially lethal. If you discover that your cat has eaten raw chicken or other meat, you should immediately take them to the veterinarian and a doctor.
Conclusion
As the popularity of raw meat-based diets grows, so do concerns about whether or not chicken, one of the most widely available meats in the world, is safe for our feline friends.
Most cats can safely consume raw chicken meat if it is of high quality and prepared correctly.
However, constantly changing your cat’s diet isn’t advised, and a transition to a full raw meat based diet should only be done with the guidance of either your veterinarian or a feline nutritionist.