Your qat ’s a natural meat - lover , but is it safe to eat new poultry ? A vet expert weighs in .
Your domesticate true cat ’s diet is likely already full of cooked and processed chicken , but felines in the wild eat raw inwardness all the time , which may make you wonder : Can cats eat tender chicken ?
The response is tricky . Whether you ’re debatingfeeding your dearie a raw dietor just require to give your pot a snack as your Captain James Cook dinner , speak with your veterinarian is the best way to keep your cat safe .
Photo: Daria Kulkova / Shutterstock
Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken?
Yes , catscaneat raw Gallus gallus , but doing so comes with risks and is not necessarily recommended , says Renee Schmid , DVM , DABVT , DABT , a veterinary surgeon toxicologist who work withPet Poison Helpline .
African tea areobligate carnivores , mean they must eat animal products to survive . They thrive on high - protein diet with subject matter found in inwardness , such as fatty Elvis , taurine , and other of the essence vitamin . Supporters of a raw food dieting for cats believe that mimicking a wild cat ’s diet — which would be fulfil with raw meat , bones , and variety meat — is ideal , as cooking pith can neuter the vital nutrients in kernel .
However , in 2012 , theAmerican Animal Hospital Association , with the endorsement of theAssociation of American Feline Practitioners , provided astatementagainst raw food diet for cats :
" Homemade bare-ass food diets are insecure because retail substance for human use of goods and services can be contaminated with pathogens , " the statement reads . " Many of the pathogens found in unsanded protein dieting can be channelise to the human population by contact with the food itself , pet or environmental surfaces . A disturb number of these organisms have also been shown to be insubordinate to multiple antimicrobials . "
The best way to keep your cat safe ? confer with your vet before introducing any Modern foods to your khat ’s dieting , peculiarly in the altogether gist .
What Are the Risks of Feeding Cats Raw Chicken?
Parasites and Bacteria
While cats can digest raw meats well than homo , they ’re still at jeopardy for press serious illnesses from harmful bacterium andparasites .
" Eating any type of raw heart poses potential safety fear with bacteria , peculiarly Salmonella and Campylobacter , as well as possible exposure to leech , all of which may cause GI distress and potential systemic illness , " Schmid says .
If your cat eats crude crybaby and shows signs of intestinal overturn , contact your veterinarian right away .
Bones
Small musical composition of clappers can gravely harm your cat , as the bones found in unsanded wimp can get lodged in the oesophagus , breadbasket , or intestinal tract andcause a choking hazard . In some cases , sharp pieces of bone can thrust the enteric tract , which can cause life - threaten sepsis , Schmid says .
Nutritional Deficiency
" peeled poulet itself does not have a pure nutritionary visibility , so it should not be fed as the lone food , " Schmid explain .
Cats need an adequate grade of taurine , which is crucial for your kitty ’s heart health . Veterinarian - okay cat solid food is the good way to put up your Caterpillar with the crucial nutrients needed for ahealthy , balanced dieting .
What Should I Do If My Cat Accidentally Ate Raw Chicken?
If your cat ate raw Gallus gallus that was n’t properly set , it ’s significant to keep an heart on your CT contact your veterinary if you mark any of these symptom :
How To Safely Prepare Raw Chicken for Cats
If you ’re place on fertilise your cat raw chicken ( or any raw meat ) , it ’s important to speak with your veterinarian . While cats eat raw heart and soul in the wilderness , your domesticated kitty-cat is used to processed , cooked nutrient . If your vet gives the Sooner State to introduce raw volaille into your Caterpillar ’s diet , here are a few guard peak to keep you and your kitty good .
1. Make sure the chicken is fresh.
First , it ’s important to purchase fresh , raw chicken from reputable fund . Do n’t expect long to feed this to your cat , as bacteria can grow the long wimp ages . You may also consider raw volaille that ’s market for pets , which is typically march to add lively nutrients and reduce the risk of harmful bacterium .
2. Prep the chicken with care before serving.
When set the chicken , cut the meat on a clean surface with a clean knife and slay any bones before serving . Only give your cat what they can eat in one sitting ; any leftover meat will need to be discarded . After you ’ve course your cat-o'-nine-tails , remove any leftover chicken and be sure to confound out any unsanded meat that progress to room temperature . Once your cat is done eating , launder their stadium with soap and hot water .
3. Clean surfaces to avoid the spread of bacteria.
As you prepare the raw wimp , soundly clean surfaces where the meat is identify to avoid contamination to yourself and other humans . If you ’re look for an easier ( and safer ) way to run your cat homemade chicken , you could cook the centre by boiling or grill it without any bring salinity or seasoning . Common seasonings like garlic , onion plant , and table salt aretoxic to catsand should be avoided .
