Why cats should not have it
Cats are carnivores, so giving them raw meat can seem natural. But raw meat from a shop or market can carry salmonella, listeria, E. coli and other bacteria, as well as parasites such as toxoplasma. A cat can fall ill itself, or carry the bacteria and parasites and spread them around the home, which is a particular risk for children, pregnant women and people with weaker immunity.
Raw pork and wild boar can also carry Aujeszky's disease, which is fatal to cats. Cooking destroys the bacteria and parasites, so the safest choice is to give a cat meat that is cooked through.
What to watch out for
- Salmonella, listeria and other bacteria can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy.
- Raw meat can carry parasites, toxoplasma among them, which a cat can pass on to people.
- Raw pork and wild boar can carry Aujeszky's disease, which is fatal to cats.
- Bones left in the meat can get stuck in the throat or injure the gut.
- If your cat vomits, has diarrhoea, stops eating or turns lethargic after eating raw meat, contact a vet.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Well-cooked lean meat
SafeLean meat cooked through, with no seasoning or bones, is a good treat for a cat.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
What to give instead
Foods that are safer to give.
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning is one of the best treats you can give a cat. Safe
- Beef Yes, well-cooked lean beef without seasoning is a good treat for a cat; just trim off the fat and take out any bones. Safe
- Eggs Yes, a well-cooked egg, boiled or cooked without fat, is fine for a cat, but it is better not to give a raw egg. Safe