There is a controversial topic when it comes to felines on can cats eat raw chicken? This comes from a diet known as raw-feeding which includes raw meat and even bone and can sometimes include other uncooked ingredients such as vegetables.
A lot of confusion comes from the fact that cats in the wild live just fine on raw meat when they are hunting, but humans can get sick from eating raw meat. So can cats eat raw chicken?, let’s take a look at all of the facts and research.
You will learn the benefits of a raw diet, the dangers of cats eating raw chicken, and how it can also be dangerous for humans.
Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken?
Technically, cats can eat raw chicken as well as well as other raw meat, but it’s not as straight forward as you may think. There are some important factors to consider, as well as well as the health risks that come along with a raw diet.
The most important thing is to ensure that the meat is fresh and salmonella free. There are conflicted views and divided opinions when it comes to raw feeding.
In the wild, cats are strict carnivores and predators who catch their own food and eat raw meat such as birds and mice. Supporters of raw feeding often bring up this point that these diets allow a cat to eat as they would in the wild.
Here’s where it becomes a problem. The intestinal tracts of domestic cats are very different to their wild ancestors and cannot process meat in the same manner. Raw met is also on the ASPCA list of toxic foods.
As with any new foods or diet, it is always best to seek the advice of a veterinarian.
Is Raw Chicken Good For Cats?
The main advantage with feeding cats raw chicken is that it allows you to have more control over what goes into their body. Commercial cat foods, and especially the cheaper kinds can contain unfamiliar ingredients and fillers.
Raw chicken is also low in carbs, and contains amino acids that a cat needs to stay healthy. This means your cat will not gain weight or develop digestive problems. A raw diet can also provide well-balanced meals with the correct micronutrients.
It has also been proven that raw foods can improve a cats immunity from diseases. All of this sounds great, but feeding cats raw chicken also has a lot of drawbacks which we will cover in the next section.
The Risks Of A Cat Eating Raw Chicken?
As well as the benefits, feeding raw chicken to your cat also comes with the following risks:
Parasites And Bacteria
Raw meat can contain bacteria and parasites which can make your cat sick. It’s also a danger to humans as cats can pass this on to us, as well as shedding bacteria throughout your home.
The main problem lies with home-made diets. Sourcing the wrong kind of ingredients can lead these kind of problems. Commercial raw diets are well tested which minimises the risk of bacteria.
Going down the home-made root means you will need to source ingredients from reliable sources, disinfect all surfaces that the food has come in contact with, and either wash your hands thoroughly or wear gloves.
You should be particularly cautious if you are pregnant or have a low immune system.
Nutritional Deficiency
We previously spoke about the two kinds of diets which are home-made and commercial raw diets. The problem with the home-made variation is that the ingredients can be inconsistent with less balanced quantities of nutrients.
You can increase the odds of a more balanced diet with the help of an expert, but homemade diets are still not recommended. A commercial diet of raw food specially formulated by pet nutritionists with better testing and standards will be a better option.
Listeria
Listeria caused by Listeria monocytogenes (a bacterium) is an infection that is often found in poultry meat, cattle, water, and soil. Some of the symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Tiredness
A cat can become very sick and die if left untreated.
Salmonella
Cats are generally less sensitive to foodborne illnesses than people, and although it as a little different and isn’t a specific illness, cats can still get sick from food in which us humans consider as food poisoning.
Your cat may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
What Happens If My Cat Eats Raw Chicken By Accident?
If you have left raw chicken unattended then you may be concerned that your cat has accidentally ingested some. The problem with this is that this meat is not prepared specifically for cat consumption, and may contain bacterium or salmonella.
Monitor their behavior and keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
If you feel concerned or worried in any way, contact a veterinarian for advice.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Chicken?
Cats can eat cooked chicken in small quantities as a treat, providing it is plain. Chicken that is greasy or contains some kind of seasonings or spices can upset a cats digestive system and make them sick.
Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Bones?
Many veterinarians recommend that it is good for a cats dental health if they chew on breakable bones. Bones also provide nutritional value such as calcium.
The advice given by experts is that raw chicken bones are better than cooked ones because cooked chicken bones can splinter which is bad for a cats digestive system. In our opinion it is better to just avoid bones completely.
Cats do not need bones as part of their diet, which means the risks of eating bones outweigh the benefits.
Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Necks?
Chicken necks are small chewable bones that contain a variety of goodness in the form of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.
As chicken necks are small, soft bones that can easily be crushed by a cat and are not prone to splintering, they are actually recommended by many veterinarians.
Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Liver?
Not only is chicken liver a good source of protein, it is also rich in other nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, iron, omega 3 and six fatty acids. Although it has benefits, here are the problems that chicken liver can cause:
- High In Fat: This can cause your cat to gain a few pounds and will be an issue if they are already overweight.
- Vitamin A Hypervitaminosis: Occurs when a large amount of liver is eaten and can be a fatal condition.
- High In Copper: Bad if your cat suffers from copper issues.
- Rich In Nutrients: This can actually cause loose stools if your cat eats too much.
The key to feeding raw chicken liver is in moderation, using very small amounts on the odd occasion as a special treat.
Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Skin?
Although consuming a bit may not harm your cat, chicken skin doesn’t have the same nutrients as the chicken itself. The skin is very fatty and consuming too much can upset your cats stomach and cause diarrhoea.
Safely Feeding Raw Chicken to Cats
If you are feeding raw chicken to your cat, here are some tips and guidelines you will need to follow:
- Remove any small or sharp bones.
- Only feed in small portions as a treat.
- Only purchase chicken that is intended for cats and prepared by pet companies. Do not feed chicken to your cat that is purchased from commercial stores.
- Follow safe handling procedures such as washing your hands, or even better, wearing gloves. Also make sure to thoroughly clean all surfaces.
How much raw chicken can I give my cat?
This is a popular question, but it all depends because every cat is different and have different genetics, health, and energy levels. Here is a general guideline you can follow as recommended by veterinarians.
Feed your cat 2% to 4% of their total body weight per day. Here’s how to do the calculation yourself:
You cats weight (in pounds) x 16 (there are 16 ounces in a pound) x percentage
So here’s an example of a 10 pound cat who you want to feed 3% to each day.
10 x 16 = 160 x 0.03 = 4.8 ounces per day
It’s a good idea to weigh your cat every few weeks or so, just encase you need to adjust the amount of food as they may have either lost or gained weight.
Can Kittens Eat Raw Chicken?
When it comes to kittens, the key is to start with smaller deboned chunks and eventually build up to larger pieces. Although it fine if done correctly, a raw chicken diet is risky for a kitten.
The reason for this is that kittens need more calories, protein, minerals, and amino acids in their diet than adult cats do. The problem with a raw diet is that most of them do not provide the required amount of nutrition for a kitten.
Speaking to a veterinarian can help you make a safe decision when it comes to raw chicken for a kitten. In most cases it’s probably best to to just stick with properly formulated kitten food.
Alternative Healthy Snacks
It’s good to experiment and give your cat new foods to add a bit of interest and variety to their diets. Here’s some safe human foods that you can feed your cat.
- Plain thoroughly cooked chicken, beef or turkey
- Some whole grains like brown rice or barley
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Carrots
- Scrambled eggs
- Green bell peppers
- SpinachÂ
- PeasÂ
- Pumpkin (Pumpkin is used often as a way to get fiber in your cat’s diet)
- Broccoli
Only uses these foods in moderation, and always check with a veterinarian before introducing new foods to your cats diet.
Conclusion
When it comes to raw diets and feeding your cat raw chicken, along with the benefits comes all of the health risks for your cat. You really have to know what you are doing as well as seeking professional advice.
You can see why raw feeding is such a controversial topic. Do you feed raw chicken or other meats to your cat? let us know in the comments.
References:
Raw diets for dogs and cats: a review, with particular reference to microbiological hazards
British Small Animal Veterinary Association
