Can cats eat raw chicken?
Quick verdict
Caution
Key risk
Salmonella and campylobacter risk for the cat and the household; cooked is safer.
Why
Raw chicken can carry harmful bacteria, so check with your vet before feeding it.
Can cats eat raw chicken, and why?
Raw chicken can carry harmful bacteria, so check with your vet before feeding it. Salmonella and campylobacter risk for the cat and the household; cooked is safer.
Cats are obligate carnivores: they must get most of their nutrition from meat and need nutrients such as taurine that only animal products provide. They lack some enzymes for processing plants and carbohydrates, so fruit and veg offer little benefit and can upset their stomach; many cats are also lactose intolerant.
Warning — what to watch for
Salmonella and campylobacter risk for the cat and the household; cooked is safer.
If your cat has eaten raw chicken, don’t wait for symptoms — contact your vet immediately, or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 (24/7, UK). Signs of a problem can include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, lethargy, tremors or loss of appetite.
More foods cats might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding cats well:
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat raw chicken?
Caution. Raw chicken can carry harmful bacteria, so check with your vet before feeding it.
What happens if my cat eats raw chicken?
Salmonella and campylobacter risk for the cat and the household; cooked is safer. If your cat has eaten raw chicken, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) straight away — don’t wait for symptoms.
Is raw chicken poisonous to cats?
Caution. Raw chicken can carry harmful bacteria, so check with your vet before feeding it.
Check raw chicken for another pet