can cats get sick from raw meat?

Answer 1

Yes, cats can get sick from raw meat. And any meat that has its source in an animal who has been fed antibiotics and hormones is not good for cats (or people in my opinion).

People, like me, who feed their cats raw meat are very careful that the meat source is the highest quality. Sorry, I wouldn't trust Tyson.. Ground meat should be avoided. Though I use it I buy it from a small market where I know the meat is ground every few days and the grinders are kept scrupulously cleaned.

So what CAN you use? Meat certified organic should be safe. Intact pieces of meat can be safely ground at home. In order for the diet to be complete for the cat you will probably need to add supplements, like calcium powder if bone is not ground with the meat. My mixture also contains salmon oil capsules.

There are many websites and yahoo groups you can visit to learn about how to do the raw feeding properly.

It is not easy to convert a cat to a raw meat diet if the cat has been on commercial kibble all its life. It is so easy to start a kitten on a little raw -- with chopped up wings, hearts and gizzards and a small amount of liver (such as a cat would get from a mouse). That's a very balanced meal and I think you can also feed a kitten some quality kibble and quality canned food along with this.

Meats used by raw feeders are usually chicken, turkey, rabbit, venison, kangaroo (yes, Australian vets have been leaders in this movement to give cats a natural diet. Search for the vet Lonsdale). Some people use beef and lamb and these meats have not agreed with my cats.

My cats have had raw meat for seven years, not one has ever thrown it up or had any "poisoning" from salmonella or e coli.

You will be tickled to see your tiny kitten tiger growl over his chicken wings! I think a kitten should be over two months old before you start it on any raw.

Answer 2

If the cat ate any of the plastic, you need to get the cat to the vet right away -- go to the ER if the cat is vomiting or straining to go poop. Many people, including me, feed raw to their cats with no trouble at all. Having said that, I personally wouldn't feed raw pork but some do. The cat's gastro-intestinal tract is much shorter and more acidic than the human digestive system. They can easily eat things that would make people sick. Just think, they eat raw mice, birds, etc in the wild. And no, it's not all perfectly fresh. A cat won't eat meat that is 'off', anyway.

Answer 3

No, it's better to feed animals raw meat. Like chicken and turkey. But honestly, in the wild do you really think a cat is going to kill a mouse, and roast it over an open flame? Durr. That meat is raw, and obviously not bad for them or else there'd be dead cats clogging up the gutters.

Answer 4

Are you serious?

That is what a cat is meant to do!

Don't forget that a feline is actually a Lion, Just a hell of a lot smaller and more polite!

As long as the meat is no more than 2 wks old!

Answer 5

I have an outdoor cat and she eats bunnies and mice and bugs and everything all of the time.

The only real fear you should have of an animal consuming raw meat is the possibility for worms. My vet however, told me not to worry about it because Oreo (my cat) is an outdoor cat, and she'll get worms anyway... that there was no use in trying to prevent it.

I wouldn't worry about your kitty.

Answer 6

The only thing you probably need to worry about is your cat becoming a chronic carrier of Salmonella. She will be fine clinically, but it is unsanitary and zoonotic(you can get it from her)

I'm not saying she will become a carrier, but the more meat she eeats the better her chances are of becoming...I mean you wouldn't eat the meat for that reason right?

Answer 7

No as bad as humans can.

You need to realize cats come from wild animals, wild animals eat raw meat.

Answer 8

Yes. Even though cats have enzymes in their stomach that humans do not that allow them to digest raw meat, they are still susceptible to bacteria and parasites. Just give them regular cat food and kitty treats.

Answer 9

I don't think so. God gave them fangs meaning they are carnivores so they eat meat. Their bodies should be able to handel raw meat. If your not sure, consult a vet.

Answer 10

There are a lot of yes and no's but to be sure contact a vet and just ask them that way you know for sure and wont be taking a chance