Cat-Care - The short answer
- Cats can physically digest raw meat, but raw diets carry food-safety risks. If you choose raw, handle it meticulously and consult your vet to keep it balanced and safe.
- Possible reasons
- Cats are obligate carnivores and often find raw palatable.
- Owners seek fewer fillers or improved coat/poop outcomes.
- Misconceptions: “raw equals natural equals safe” without hygiene controls.
- Unbalanced DIY recipes can lack taurine, calcium, or essential fatty acids.
- Pathogen exposure (Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria) risks to pets and people.
- Observations and simple improvements (non-treatment) Track a 10–14 day baseline before any switch: appetite, stool frequency/consistency, energy, water intake, and hairball or vomit episodes. Note exact proteins, portions, and timing. If you trial raw, change only one variable at a time so you can attribute effects.
Portioning and handling: Freeze meat in meal-sized packs. Thaw in the fridge (not counter) for 12–24 hours. Serve within 20–30 minutes of removal; discard leftovers after 30–45 minutes. Wash bowls, knives, and boards with hot soapy water; sanitize surfaces after prep.
Choose cuts wisely: Stick to single-ingredient, human-grade muscle meats at first (e.g., turkey thigh, rabbit, beef heart). Avoid cooked bones; raw meaty bones can still fracture teeth—skip them unless guided by a vet. No seasoned, cured, or marinated meats.
Balance matters: A “meat-only” menu is not complete. Cats need calcium, taurine, vitamins A/D/E, and essential fats. If you’re not using a vet-formulated recipe, use a complete raw formula or a reputable complete supplement designed for raw feeding as labeled.
Gradual transition: Start with 10–20% of the meal as raw for 3–5 days, then increase if stool stays normal. Keep one protein for a week before rotating. Maintain a consistent feeding schedule (2–3 meals/day) and plenty of fresh water.
Hygiene around people: Immunocompromised folks, young children, and pregnant people should avoid handling raw pet foods. Store pet raw separately, on lower fridge shelves, in sealed containers.
- When to consult a veterinarian or a board-certified nutritionist
- Your cat has chronic GI issues, kidney disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, or is a kitten/senior.
- You see diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, lethargy, or weight change after switching.
- You want a complete, balanced raw recipe tailored to your cat.
- There are immunocompromised people in the household.
- You notice chipped teeth, gum bleeding, or mouth pain after any bone exposure.
- Disclaimer This is general guidance, not medical or diagnostic advice; when uncertain, consult your veterinarian or a qualified pet nutrition professional.