Can Cats Eat Raw Meat? It Can Make Them Very Sick

Raw diets for cats have been growing in popularity over the years. Many people believe that feeding cats raw meat is closer to their natural diet. After all, cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat to survive.  

But just because wild cats eat raw meat doesn’t mean it’s safe for your housecat. Raw meat can carry harmful bacteria, parasites, and other risks that can be dangerous for your cat and your family.

So, can cats really eat raw meat, and should they? It’s better not to. Here, we’ll look at the dangers of feeding your cat raw meat and suggest safer options. We’ve included insights from experts along the way. 

What are the risks of feeding your cat raw meat?

While feeding your cat raw meat may seem like a natural choice, it comes with risks. It’s vital to be aware of these potential hazards before making the switch. Also keep in mind that most veterinary experts recommend not feeding raw meat to your cat.

Foodborne illnesses

Veterinarian Kathryn Dench, MA VetMB, said bacteria are the biggest risks associated with feeding cats raw meat. “Raw meat can harbor pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause serious illness in both cats and humans,” she said.

Even commercial raw pet food isn’t always safe. Studies show that about 25% of tested raw cat foods contain Salmonella or Listeria. While healthy cats have strong stomachs that may reduce some of these risks, they’re not completely safe.

Internal injuries

Raw meat sometimes has bones in it, which can be dangerous to your cat.

“Wild cats eat bones, but there’s always a risk of splintering and internal injuries,” pet nutritionist David D’Angelo, CPD, told GoodRx. “This is why it’s important to monitor for bones when feeding raw diets.” 

Parasites

Parasites can be found in raw meat, which can cause serious health issues. 

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“Raw meat, especially from wild or noncommercial sources, can contain parasites like Toxoplasma gondii,” Dench said. 

This parasite can cause a disease called toxoplasmosis, which is especially dangerous for pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.

Dench noted that freezing meat can reduce the chance of parasites. But it’s not foolproof and won’t eliminate the risk.

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Nutritional deficiencies

One of the biggest challenges of feeding a raw diet is making sure your cat has all the nutrients they need. In the wild, cats eat not just meat but also bones, organs, and other parts of their prey. This gives them a balanced diet. So, raw meat without these elements might not be enough.

“A diet of just raw muscle meat lacks essential nutrients,” D’Angelo said. For example, taurine may not be present unless you include organ meats. Taurine is important for your cat’s heart and eyes. 

D’Angelo also said that a raw meat diet without the right nutrient balance can lead to brittle bones and fractures or kidney problems over time. 

Cross-contamination

Handling raw meat at home can spread bacteria to surfaces, utensils, and even your cat’s fur. If your cat grooms themselves after eating, they can spread harmful bacteria around your house — along with the risk of getting sick.

Dench warned, “The FDA has said raw pet food can be dangerous not just for pets, but for people, too.” This is especially risky if you have young children, older adults, or people with weak immune systems in your home.

Other diseases

Recently, there’s been concern over avian influenza (bird flu) in raw pet food. In January 2025, the FDA reported that over 12 cats got sick or died from bird flu after eating contaminated raw food. This highlights the risks of feeding raw meat, especially from sources that may have been exposed to outbreaks.

Quiz: What human foods are safe for cats?

Is any type of raw meat safe for cats?

The safest raw diet for cats is no raw meat at all. But it’s possible to safely feed raw meat to your cat with very careful planning. If you want to feed your cat a raw diet, choose high-quality raw foods that meet strict safety and nutrition standards.

Dench and D’Angelo both suggest looking for commercially prepared raw diets that use high-pressure processing (HPP), which helps kill bacteria without losing nutrients. You can also look for frozen raw diets that follow the guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). 

For pet parents who want to make their own raw food at home, consult with a veterinary nutritionist. You need to make sure your cat gets a complete diet with all the nutrients they need. Otherwise, your cat can get sick.

Always buy meat from trusted suppliers and handle it carefully to avoid bacteria. “Wild-caught, human-grade meats are generally safer than supermarket cuts intended for cooking,” D’Angelo said.

Recalls of raw cat food

Raw cat food has been recalled various times over the years, usually because of contamination with bacteria including Salmonella or Listeria. 

Pet parents who choose to feed their cats a raw diet should check FDA recall lists. They should also make sure the meat comes from suppliers that follow strict safety rules. Recent recalls or stop-sales of cat foods are shown in the table below.

What can you feed your cat instead of raw meat?

There are plenty of safer alternatives to feeding raw meat that still provide a high-protein, cat-specific diet:

• High-quality canned food: Wet foods are fully cooked and balanced, offering moisture and nutrients similar to raw diets.

• Freeze-dried raw food: This process preserves the raw nutrition but reduces the risk of bacteria. But freeze-drying does not eliminate the risk of illness from raw meat. 

• Home-cooked diets: If you prefer to make your cat’s meals at home, D’Angelo suggested working with a pet nutritionist to make sure the diet is balanced. And instead of feeding it raw, cook the meat first.

• Gently cooked commercial diets: These diets offer similar nutrition to raw food but without the risk.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Emily Johnson

Emily Johnson is a content writer specializing in the pet industry, with expertise covering pet health and nutrition, pet insurance, dog training, and everyday living as a pet owner. Before freelancing, she was the content manager for a pet company and has worked closely with veterinarians, nutritionists, pet insurance companies, and other pet experts.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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