Can cats eat raw meat?
Also called: raw chicken, raw beef, raw food diet, raw diet, BARF, uncooked meat
Caution
Can carry germs such as Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli.
Vets don't recommend it. Raw meat can carry germs such as Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli, which can make your cat and your family ill. Cook meat thoroughly first.
When it's a problem
- Raw meat can carry toxoplasmosis and other infectious diseases.
- Commercial raw foods carry the same germ risk as raw meat from your kitchen.
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Cats need cooked food for the same reason we do: raw meat can be contaminated with disease-causing germs like Salmonella, Listeria or E.
Read "A raw deal: The dangers of feeding raw meat to cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Cornell Feline Health Center
it is not recommended as a food or a treat for cats, because it is a potential vehicle for toxoplasmosis and other infectious diseases.
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Cats need cooked food for the same reason we do: raw meat can be contaminated with disease-causing germs like Salmonella, Listeria or E.
Read "A raw deal: The dangers of feeding raw meat to cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Cornell Feline Health Center
it is not recommended as a food or a treat for cats, because it is a potential vehicle for toxoplasmosis and other infectious diseases.
Checked 9 October 2026
Merck Veterinary Manual
Raw meat is not safe for cats and can pose health risks.
Read "Proper Nutrition for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Cornell Feline Health Center
it is not recommended as a food or a treat for cats, because it is a potential vehicle for toxoplasmosis and other infectious diseases.
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Commercial raw food has the same risk of being infected with disease-causing germs as the raw meat you prepare in your own kitchen.
Read "A raw deal: The dangers of feeding raw meat to cats"
Checked 9 October 2026