Can cats eat raw meat?

Cats are carnivores, and good cat food is characterized by a high meat content. But can cats eat raw meat, or is it better to serve it cooked? We'll answer this question below.

Raw meat for cats - the essentials at a glance

• Cats are carnivores and can eat raw meat.
• Those who want to feed their cat a raw diet (BARF) should not use only muscle meat.
• Because the meat can be contaminated with germs, proper hygiene is crucial.
• Raw pork should not be included in the food bowl.
• Our high-quality grain-free cat food is ideal for providing a species-appropriate diet for your cat.

Cats can eat raw meat

Outdoor cats often hunt small animals like mice or birds. Depending on their hunting success, cats can catch up to 15 animals per day. So, raw meat is undoubtedly a normal part of their diet. This means that cats can naturally eat raw meat at home as well. In fact, some owners deliberately choose this form of feeding and practice "barfing" for their cats.

When barfing, the animals don't receive ready-made cat food. Instead, meals are prepared from fresh ingredients. In addition to raw meat and organs, small amounts of fruits and vegetables are also placed in the food bowl. To ensure a balanced diet, meals for barfing cats are also enriched with specific nutrients such as taurine.

What risks does raw meat pose for cats?

Cats can eat raw meat, whether as a small treat or as a regular part of their diet through barfing.

However, raw meat does carry some risks. The meat may be contaminated with germs that pose potential health risks for both humans and animals. If you want to feed your cat raw meat, it's essential to prioritize impeccable hygiene.

Caution with raw pork

While cats can usually eat raw beef or chicken without concerns, caution is advised with pork. Pigs can carry the Aujeszky's disease virus. Infection with the virus can lead to a cat developing Aujeszky's disease, also known as pseudorabies. This disease is incurable and fatal for affected animals.

In Germany, Aujeszky's disease is considered eradicated. However, this may not be the case in other countries. Due to potential risks, it is generally recommended to avoid feeding raw pork to your cat. In our cat food, we consciously avoid using pork as a protein source.

Species-appropriate cat food instead of raw meat

In principle, there's nothing wrong with occasionally feeding raw meat or barfing with proper care. However, a much simpler and safer option is to rely on high-quality cat food, such as products from I love my cat.

In our range, you'll find grain-free dry and wet cat food, as well as a selection of healthy cat snacks. Ingredients in food-grade quality, carefully balanced recipes, and gentle production ensure an irresistible treat that delights every cat.

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Raw meat for cats: a conclusion

Cats can eat raw meat. Most varieties are an excellent protein source for cats as long as good hygiene is maintained. However, meat alone is not sufficient to provide cats with all essential nutrients. If you want to barf your cat, it's essential to thoroughly understand the nutritional needs of cats.

Alternatively, you can easily choose our grain-free cat food and healthy cat snacks. Your cat will enjoy them just as much as raw meat, and it ensures that your pet is optimally supplied with nutrients.