Many fish contain high levels of mercury and low in vitamin E, which over time can result in a painful condition known as yellow fat disease. Ultimately, we would not feed our cats a raw meat based diet, if we did not believe it was safe for cats to eat raw meat! In the wild, cats eat the carcases of the prey animals they hunt, which consist of raw meat, bones and organs. The cervical/thoracic spine and joints are particularly affected. I have prepared homemade cooked food for my cats and feel it is just as good, yet I have many tell me nothing can replace the superiority of raw. Not all, but a high number of cats prefer the taste and texture of a raw diet to commercial dry or canned foods. As already stated, I always recommend feeding human grade meat to cats. Toxoplasmosis Gondii is an intracellular parasite which infects multiple warm-blooded mammals. Yes, we knew cats can eat raw meat. Thank you for the information though! Keep raw meat well wrapped and separated from other foods in the freezer. The average prey animal would be made up of approximately 70% water compared to dry food which is about 10% water. What kind of meats aren’t suitable for cats? Salmonella and e-coli are usually the biggest concerns when it comes to bacteria. Always check the use-by date. The recommended calcium to phosphorous (Ca:P) level is approximately 1.2:1. Advocates stress the fact that in their wild state animals eat uncooked and unprocessed foods. Vitamin E can be found in meat; however diets high in fish can result in vitamin E deficiency. I do not shame someone for doing one over the other, it is a personal choice and there is already enough confusion and anger on the subject! There is a growing cynicism towards commercial diets, with one expert feline veterinarian, Dr Richard Malik offering his own opinion in this. Make sure the raw meat you use comes from a reputable source and is as fresh as possible. Cats have a shorter gastrointestinal tract; this means meat passes through the cat faster. Consult with the vet before making a decision about whether to try raw feeding. Raw cat foods accomplish this by placing uncooked meat, fish, and internal organs at the top of their ingredient lists. You can introduce your cat to raw meat as soon as he starts weaning from his mother. Cats become infected either by consuming prey or meat which contain the cysts of the parasite or by ingesting cysts which pass out of the cat via the feces. I was surprised to find out that Salmonella bacteria is a part of the normal healthy gut flora of cats and many other animals (but not humans). Great tips! Last Updated on November 1, 2020 by Julia Wilson. Although cats can digest small amounts of carbohydrates, they have no dietary need for them. Never defrost meat at room temperature. The other is that one of my dogs is a Therapy Dog and the organization she's registered with doesn't allow a raw diet due to the potential of transmitting bacteria. All meat will have some bacteria in it; however, high levels and certain strains of bacteria can result in sickness. There is a growing cynicism towards commercial diets, with one expert feline veterinarian, Dr Richard Malik offering his own opinion in this  article. Diets low in taurine can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy and retinal degeneration. Our vet is a little concerned about anything "raw" so Mom Paula hasn't considered it yet. My cats prefer turkey and fish. Great tips! I am going to add fish to this list, while it is okay to give a small amount of fish to your cat, it should be a sometimes food, and not a regular part of his diet. Types of raw meat suitable for cats: Raw chicken breast or thighs. Cooking meat destroys taurine and mincing/griding; it can reduce levels; this is due to oxidation. They have to have protein from meat for a strong heart, good vision, and a healthy reproductive system. Don’t ever give cooked bones, they are too brittle and can splinter. Quite balanced article indeed, have seen others which seems are inclined to support pet food companies, I have Siamese, 3,year old and 7 kg, has been eating raw sirloin steak for two years now, he eats around 220 grams a day, also eats some biscuits and fresk milk, he is doing fine thank you. Julia lives in Sydney with her family, four cats and two dogs. There are several possible risks which include bacterial contamination, parasites, internal damage and inadequate or too many nutrients. Large batches of food: Freeze into smaller portions. Please don’t use your cat as a waste disposal unit, if the meat has expired, don’t give it to your cat. The tip about freezing the meat to remove pathogens and parasites is great too. Most Australian veterinarians are happy for cats to eat raw diets, as long as they are balanced and complete. Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats, Raw meat diets(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}), Julia Wilson is a cat expert with over 20 years of experience writing about a wide range of cat topics, with a special interest in cat health, welfare and preventative care. You don’t want to run that risk. Chewing on raw bones, meat, connective tissue, skin and fur will help the cat’s teeth remain clean whereas carbohydrates create starchy films that will encourage gum problems and plaque. Hypervitaminosis A can lead to the following: A fat-soluble vitamin which is known for its antioxidant properties, protecting cells from free radicals. Cats need to work at chewing meat, and during this process, plaque is removed from the teeth. What age should you start feeding your cat raw meat? There is a lot to learn about feline nutrition if you are going to get this right. Cats need a high protein diet, not carbs. My cats eat a mix of raw chicken necks, raw chunks of steak, canned cat food and dry food (note: none have underlying medical conditions). The reasoning I’ve heard is, “It closely approximates the diet cats would get in the wild—the diet … Avoid feeding the same type of meat all the time as this is more likely to result in a nutritional deficiency. Basically, the risk of transferring disease from cat to human. Beef is another affordable meat option for cats. In the wild, cats would obtain calcium from eating the bones of their prey. But, it is important to be aware of the potential safety concerns – bacteria, parasites, bones and nutritional deficiencies – so that you can take the necessary precautions and prepare your cat’s raw food safely. Image: US Department of Agriculture via Flickr. I always recommend a conversation with your cat’s veterinarian to provide the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of raw food. What are the safety concerns that make most veterinarians hesitant or even opposed to recommending a raw food diet for cats? Never try to speed up thawing times by leaving frozen meat out at room temperature or microwaving it. Wonderful info for anyone thinking about switching over to raw, which can seem intimidating to most of us. I advise avoiding any supplements which have come from China. Beef or lamb liver can be fed to cats but only in small quantities. In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. Cooking meat destroys. Permethrin Poisoning in Cats: What You Need to Know, Cat Scooting: What it Means and What to Do, High Blood Pressure in Cats: Signs and Treatment. Raw feeding is a controversial topic and there are two distinct camps, “for” and “against”. Some owners worry about whether raw bones are safe for their cats to eat. I always feed human-grade meat. that has come in contact with raw meat. She thinks she’s not informed enough. A mix of 1 tablespoon bleach to 4 cups water is an effective disinfectant. Cats are obligate carnivores. Freezing at -12 for two days kills toxoplasmosis cysts. There are substantial health risks associated with this. At the same time, there isn’t the same amount of research into raw food diets for cats as there is into commercial pet food brands. Many veterinarians are hesitant to recommend a raw food diet because of safety fears or lack of knowledge about raw food diets for cats. Also called steatitis, yellow fat disease is a painful condition caused by inflammation and yellowing of the fat tissue induced by feeding a diet in unsaturated fatty acids and deficient in vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant. Cats are the definitive host, meaning that the parasite can only reproduce in the cat. I appreciate that you address the concerns and safety issues instead of just talking about the pros. I also am hesitant about which recipe to try as their are so many out there, but a holistic vet would be a great place to start. Thank you for the in depth information as always. Backed by research, veterinarians are therefore more likely to trust and recommend commercial pet foods, which can make it difficult to know what is best for your cat. Intestinal parasites such as roundworm, hookworm or tapeworm are also cited as a safety concern when feeding raw to cats. The bones store most of the calcium in the cat’s body. Diets high in vitamin A are usually due to ingestion of large quantities of liver. The head peep would like to feed us raw, but she realized that raw has to be frozen immediately after grinding, and we don't have enough freezer space. You’ve probably heard that toxoplasmosis (from venison, pork and lamb) and trichinosis (from pork and game animals) can be present in raw meats. Wonderful! Beef must be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145 F to be considered safe. Fractured teeth, perforation of the gastrointestinal tract and gastrointestinal obstruction can occur in cats who consume bones. This is a life-threatening condition which requires urgent veterinary care. An essential amino acid found in seafood, meat (mainly muscle meat, including the heart), eggs and brewers yeast. Wash your hands after handling raw meat or anything (bowls, surfaces etc.) Mum has suspicions we get a bit of raw outside – but it would be a serious mission for all nine of us. The necks and raw meat help to keep the cat’s teeth clean, and they enjoy a good gnaw, plus it provides variety; however, muscle and necks aren’t nutritionally complete on their own, therefore for me, I will continue to feed commercial cat food in addition to raw. Chicken necks or wings are great for your cat’s dental hygiene. However, there will always be risks of bacterial contamination in all types of food, including meat and fresh fruit and vegetables. Just make sure that bones are small enough so that they don’t become a potential choking or obstruction hazard. There is more information on feeding cats bones here. What are the risks of feeding your cat a raw diet? As has already been mentioned, cooking destroys taurine, which is essential for your cat’s health. –> We recommend this Balanced Raw Cat Food Recipe. There are lots of types of meat you can give to your cat; I like to include cheap cuts of steak including chuck steak and round steak. What are the safety concerns that make most veterinarians hesitant or even opposed to recommending a raw food diet for cats? Meat contains high levels of phosphorous but low levels of calcium, so a cat fed raw meat only without bones (or supplementation) can develop low calcium levels. Any excess taurine will be excreted in the urine. Thanks for such an informative post! It is also important to note that cats have extremely efficient and very acidic digestive systems. This is a FANTASTIC article! The mom gives us a little raw food, but it’s mostly the already prepared kind; she doesn’t want to make it herself. They also consume a small amount of the vegetable matter … Beef organ meat can also be used, although organ meat should only make up a small portion of a cat's diet. Raw meat will help cats stay fit so if you have an overweight cat a raw diet will balance their weight. So important to be committed and well educated before embarking into raw food territory – this is nice and thorough! Some pet owners supplement a raw diet with additional taurine. If you choose to give your cat raw chicken as anything more than a treat, it is recommended to find a diet by a reputable brand or one that has been formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. The average-sized cat requires around 250 mg taurine per day. Copyright © 2021 Pawesome Cats - All Rights Reserved. Vitamin A supplemented during pregnancy can result in. Thaw frozen raw meat properly, by defrosting it slowly in the fridge. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that I am not a huge fan of raw pet food. Raw food is much closer to your cat’s natural diet. People don't know a lot of those things. Mom Paula is about like Summer's mom. Trichinosis is a parasitic roundworm which infects cats when they eat meat infected with cysts containing the larvae of the parasite. Purrs. So one meal may be mostly muscle, another mostly offal or bones. If you do decide to cook your cat’s meat, it will need supplementation with taurine. The biggest concern for feeding cats raw meat is the safety and risks involved. Meat which has gone off won’t necessarily smell or look off. There are a lot of good reasons to switch to raw; however, if you can’t do it properly, you take the risk of making your cat very sick from several diseases which can develop due to a nutritionally incomplete diet. Obesity is a growing problem in cats with more than 50% of cats in Australia, UK and the US now being overweight. I am not sure if raw feeding is right for my pets (and me), but I know a lot of people think it is the only way to go. The cheaper cuts are chewier, and your cat has to work harder to chew it, which is good for the teeth and gums. Male cats are especially vulnerable as they have a narrower urethra, the tube which carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Chicken necks and wing tips are the most suitable bones for cats. If you haven’t, then please take extra precautions when feeding your cat raw meat, which may include having somebody else prepare the food if possible. Before we switched our cats to a raw food diet we did a lot of research. Beef or lamb heart and kidney. Common pathogens include salmonella. If you are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant, ask your doctor or obstetrician for a blood test to look for antibodies which indicate previous exposure to the parasite. There are several options here to meet the 1.2:1 ratio your cat requires, you can add raw bones to your cat’s diet, bonemeal, supplement with calcium or add ground up eggshells to your cat’s food. Remember though,  in the wild a cat will eat the entire prey animal (e.g. I think as long as the food is pure, not processed, has adequate nutrients, is fresh, and your cat enjoys it then raw or cooked are pretty equal choices. In contrast, there has been a resurgence of interest in feeding cats raw diets. Over a few days, it should all balance out. Dry diets are high in carbohydrates; these are stored as fat in the cat’s body. So 1.2 units of calcium for every 1 unit of phosphorous. The problem here isn’t with the raw food diet, it’s often because the cat owner wasn’t well-informed enough to ensure their cat’s diet was nutritionally balanced. is an intracellular parasite which infects multiple warm-blooded mammals. a holistic vet who specialises in raw food nutrition, and take the time to get the balance right. Many fish contain high levels of mercury and low in vitamin E, which over time can result in a painful condition known as, I am going to go out on a limb here and say that I am not a huge fan of raw. Cats are obligate or true carnivores, meaning that they need a source of animal protein to survive. Thanks. Hypervitaminosis A can lead to the following: Excess bone formation (exostosis), particularly in adult cats. I have dabbled with some raw treats for the huskies. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. But it’s definitely not the best choice and it can cause some problems if you choose this treat too often. Good write up – lots of times we get dehydrated foods, it's easier and momma puts nutritional additions in! Veterinarians in other countries seem a little more reluctant. But what we really wanted to understand was, is it safe for cats to eat raw meat? Perhaps the greatest risk of feeding and handling raw meat comes down to … Feeding raw might seem complicated at first, but once you get into a routine it’ll become second nature. There is plenty of good information here to help mum weigh the pros and cons – for which we thank you! The standards aren’t as high as with meat for human consumption and contamination may be a bigger issue. It’s what we feed our cats! Processed (deli) meats such as salami, ham, turkey lunch meat, which contain high amounts of preservatives and have way too much salt. Mum is interested, but afraid of the nutriments stuff. Infection in cats usually causes no symptoms at all; however, the concern with this particular parasite is the ability to cause congenital disabilities to unborn human babies if the mother becomes infected during pregnancy. If you choose to feed your cat a raw or frozen raw food diet, make sure to store the food properly and follow basic food handling safety precautions. They aren’t generally an issue either, unless you feed the guts of prey animals to your cat. Again, I always recommend buying human grade meat, and this includes kangaroo. Ideally, the meat should be free-range, organic and free of chemicals. Never feed cooked bones. Cat Themed Official Days – January to December 2021, Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (Pillow Foot) in Cats. Diets high in vitamin A are usually due to ingestion of large quantities of liver. Commercial cat foods should have enough calcium to meet your cat’s dietary needs. Feeding raw meat to cats is a topic which sparks fierce debate among cat lovers. I have been looking into raw feeding for quite some time, and haven't been able to make a decision. Raw meat may also contain bacteria (such as E. coli) or salmonella, which would make your pet really ill. Therefore it is essential to let your veterinarian know before you switch a cat with underlying health conditions to a raw diet. The narrow urethra in males can become easily blocked by tiny crystals or stones, which makes urination difficult or impossible. YES they can! Cats become infected either by consuming prey or meat which contain the cysts of the parasite or by ingesting cysts which pass out of the cat via the feces. Freeze meat in small portions for at least two days and defrost in the fridge before use. I love how you address the most common concerns about raw feeding with factual data instead of just opinion. Also, do your research, and make a note of any questions or concerns you have. Also, cats secrete high levels of stomach acid in their stomach which breaks down the protein and kills bacteria. Many people have switched to raw only; I am not one of them. Take care when buying, transporting, storing and processing raw meat. Feeding a little pork to your feline on occasion isn’t going to cause any health problems. You can though, minimise the risk by following safe meat handling procedures and purchasing raw meat only from reputable sources. Cooked bones on the other hand, can cause problems and should never be fed to your cat. Raw chunks of steak. Before we switched our cats to a raw food diet we did a lot of research. Over a prolonged period, complete fusion of the spine can develop. You don’t know where or for how long it’s been sitting around unless you grind it yourself. A cat fed on a raw diet only is not getting this calcium and will need supplementation which is where it gets a little tricky. That’s true, but they’re usually killed or inactivated by freezing. Most cases of foodborne illness come from improper handling and storage of meat in the home. An essential amino acid found in seafood, meat (mainly muscle meat, including the heart), eggs and brewers yeast. The health of our cats and yours is of the utmost importance to us, so we recommend you follow these tips to ensure the raw meat you feed your cats is safe for them eat. When defrosting, remove from the freezer and refrigerate until thawed through. Stay up to date with the latest cat news and published articles. Ground beef is cheap, easy to prepare and easy for cats to digest. Next, find out our top tips for cat snacks and treats , including which ones to choose, how many should your cat have per day and what are some of the most toxic foods that can be easily confused for cat treats. Calcium is an essential mineral responsible for building and maintaining bone and teeth, vascular dilation and contraction, the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle function, blood clotting and enzyme function. Today’s cats evolved from desert-dwelling felines who obtained most of their fluids via their prey. The links below provide information which is for and against feeding raw. It is possible to purchase supplements from pet suppliers which can be used for cats on a raw food diet. The purpose of this article was more to discuss feeding your cat raw meat a few times a week, not to switch his diet completely. ALSO READ: Merrick Cat Food Review Can My Cat Eat Bones? Thanks for breaking it down into a simple format, makes it seem much more possible for those of us looking to give it a try. Serve raw food to your pets in stainless steel or glass bowls rather than plastic, which can harbour bacteria. This post is very helpful, thank you. Two of them loved it, the other wouldn't even go near it! Raw cat food is just that—unprocessed food made from raw ingredients. I wish my human was more ambitious about feeding us! Good info about feeding raw. The best way to store raw meat is to freeze it before you’re ready to use it. Other roles it plays including boosting the immune system, reduces inflammation. Many swear by it while others believe it is a danger that is not worth the potential risks to cats and their human family. They often talk about the dangers of raw food and of seeing feline patients who are malnourished as a result of being feed a raw food diet. Just because your vet doesn’t agree with feeding raw, doesn’t mean you should abandon the idea. Remember that in the wild, cats would feed on animals like birds and small rodents. If not regularly removed, plaque hardens into tartar and leads to gum disease. Taking precautions, which are listed further down this article will help reduce the chances of your cat becoming sick from eating raw meat. While cats can eat raw chicken, it’s important to ensure that they do so safely. Yes, pork is safe for your cat to eat. All meat will have some bacteria in it; however, high levels and certain strains of bacteria can result in sickness. Most cases of infection occur from eating raw pork or hunting wild animals such as rodents. Homemade diets which are high in potassium and low in calcium can lead to hyperparathyroidism, particularly in growing kittens. Modern farming practices have mostly eliminated this parasite from pork. Immunocompromised cats are at higher risk of foodborne illnesses. mouse or bird), raw bones and all. Omega fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat which. When there is an overabundance of saturated fatty acids, damage occurs to the body fat, resulting in painful inflammation. There is a great deal of protein in raw meat, which is great for cats. Phosphorous is another mineral which is stored in the bones and is responsible for bone strength, repair, and maintenance of tissues and is an integral structural component of DNA and RNA. Updated 19 September 2020 By Pawesome Cats 16 Comments. High levels of vitamin A are toxic to the liver, the primary storage site of the vitamin. It's important to know how to handles raw food (in particular da protein) – for dogs and humans! Freezing meat for at least 24 hours can kill most parasites. Infection in cats usually causes no symptoms at all; however, the concern with this particular parasite is the ability to cause congenital disabilities to unborn human babies if the mother becomes infected during pregnancy. Beef or lamb liver can be fed to cats but only in small quantities. But what we really wanted to understand was, is it safe for cats to eat raw meat? If you’re feeding ground meat, be sure to grind it yourself to reduce the risk of bacteria. Yes, we knew cats can eat raw meat. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism: are toxic to the liver, the primary storage site of the vitamin. Aside from the meat of these animals, cats can eat the bones and organs of their prey. Commercial raw food will be nutritionally balanced so it may be an easier option for some people. Even though cats can eat raw meat, it doesn’t mean they should, and is not without its risks. Ground meat has more surface area to attract bacteria and other nasties. There is more information on feeding cats bones, I am going to add fish to this list, while it is okay to give a small amount of fish to your cat, it should be a sometimes food, and not a regular part of his diet. Kangaroo is excellent for cats; it is low in fat. LOL. How can we ensure that the raw food we feed our cats is prepared with safety in mind? Wash chopping boards, surfaces, knives and bowls with hot soapy water and disinfectant to make sure there are no germs. Cats often don’t make up for this imbalance by drinking more water, which can lead to concentrated urine, that promotes the formation of urinary crystals. If you are going to switch your cat to a raw-only diet, do your research. But she gives us the best canned food. Most cats will tolerate raw food, but those with health concerns (such as immune-mediated disease) may need cooked food. The potential safety issues are one reason I haven't tried raw feeding my dogs. Many swear by it while others believe it is a danger that is not worth the potential risks to cats and their human family. Yes, cats can eat raw chicken After all, they are carnivores meaning they can eat raw meat. This was a great post. A raw diet is a ‘natural’ diet, but it’s up to you to make sure your cat is getting the appropriate nutrients. If phosphorous levels are higher, calcium absorption can become impaired. She enjoys photography, gardening and running in her spare time. Chicken necks or wings are great for your cat’s dental hygiene. It is perfectly fine to give your cat cooked meat; some pet owners prefer this. She doesn't even prepare food for herself at home. Never feed your cat raw meat or fish because it could transmit food-borne pathogens like salmonella. Cats are meat eaters, plain and simple. Liver contains high levels of vitamin A and too much can lead to vitamin A toxicosis. Cats are obligate carnivores that have some unique nutritional needs that can be met by eating a diet composed primarily of animal tissue. To reduce the risk, only feed non-weight bearing bones which should always be raw. Can cats eat raw meat? I try to limit the amount of fish due to mercury and the toxic pollutants in water. But she’s not great about feeding herself either – she just tosses a frozen dinner in the microwave and give us canned food. Remember too, you don’t have to prepare raw food from scratch; there are many good quality pre-packaged commercial raw food options available for you to choose from. Cats' bodies are designed to absorb nutrients best from animal proteins, which is why they dine on a range of meats but seldom crave veggies. Raw chunks of steak. Cats are the definitive host, meaning that the parasite can only reproduce in the cat. Things To Consider About Raw Meat…and Cats Each cat needs to eat what is appropriate for its breed, age, sex, physical condition, medical issues and lifestyle.� Cats can eat raw meat but many prefer to have it cooked. Turkey breast, wings and legs, cut into chunks. Little pork to your cat ’ s body contain bacteria ( such as disease. Commercial raw food territory – this is due to ingestion of large quantities of.! 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