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We’ve all seen photos and videos of big cats in the wild feasting on some fresh-caught raw meat. It’s also well-known that, despite being much smaller and cuter, our house cats are directly related to wild predators. But since that’s the case, have you ever wondered why many pet owners rarely feed their cats raw meat and opt for typical store-bought cat foods instead?
Many people are quick to assume that the reason behind this common feeding habit is that raw meat is unsafe for a house cat. However, raw meat is safe and nutritious for cats, if you get it from a high-quality and safe source. This guide covers why it’s safe, where to get it, the benefits for your cat, and how to introduce them to a raw food diet.
To fully understand this topic, you need to grasp the basics of a cat’s natural diet. Like humans, cats have specific dietary needs that keep them happy and healthy. However, those dietary needs differ greatly between our two species.
While humans are omnivores, living best on a diet that includes a mix of plants and meats, cats are obligate carnivores. Being an obligate carnivore means that cats require meat as the primary feature of their diet. Since cats are obligate carnivores, their bodies are naturally adapted to digesting meat, whether raw or not.
However, while cats are capable of digesting raw meat, that does not mean you should feed them any old piece of meat you can find. Instead, it’s crucial to source your cat’s raw meat from a supplier that follows every guideline necessary to ensure the meat they sell is high-quality, well-stored, and free of harmful pathogens.
Assuming the raw meat you feed your cat is from a trusted source, it’s safe for your cat to enjoy it. In fact, introducing high-quality raw meat to your cat’s diet may prove to be both highly enjoyable and healthy for them as well.
Now that we’ve covered the basics about raw meat in a cat’s diet, let’s consider the reasons why so many pet owners are hesitant to feed uncooked meat to their pets. The main reason for this trepidation is that raw meat can carry harmful pathogens.
These harmful pathogens are most common in meats that are low-quality, past their expiration date, have not been stored properly, or have not undergone the necessary testing to ensure they are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, when you or your cat eat meat with pathogens, it’s likely that food poisoning will be the result.
This threat of food poisoning is why we emphasized the importance of finding a trusted meat supplier in the previous section. Take the time to study your raw meat source and confirm that it meets all the standards to ensure its meat is safe to eat.
Having a trustworthy meat source is a requirement if you want to feed your cat raw meat. However, even when you’re being as safe as possible, there remains a chance that your cat could get food poisoning. If this happens to your cat, they will likely experience some or all of the following symptoms:
While those are the typical signs of food poisoning, in some cases, your cat may experience more extreme symptoms. For instance, if your cat contracts conditions known as listeriosis or salmonellosis, they may experience nerve problems, infertility, eye inflammation, and other worrying symptoms.
If you notice any of the food poisoning signs we’ve mentioned, your best approach is to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. Rather than waiting for the symptoms to subside or treating them yourself, taking your pet to the vet is the best way to ensure they receive the care they need.
So far, the focus of this article has been the topic of adding raw meat to your cat’s diet. However, have you also wondered whether your cats can eat plants as well?
Earlier, we noted that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they need meat to survive. However, this does not mean that they must eat meat exclusively. Instead, researchers find that it’s normal for a cat in the wild to munch on some plants while they hunt for their next meat supply.
Still, while cats are able to eat plants, you don’t need to deliberately add large volumes of plant material into their diet. Instead, focus on giving your cat meat or feeding them with a premade cat food that you can purchase online or in stores.
Additionally, there are many common houseplants that are toxic to cats. So, while cats can eat some plants safely, others can cause serious health complications. Before allowing your cat to interact with any plants in your home, research the plant species first to make sure they will not harm your cat.
The most important factor when feeding raw meat to your cat is finding a trusted meat supplier. The right supplier will follow all relevant guidelines, regulations, and testing standards to ensure their meat products are clean and safe for your pets to eat.
If you want a cat food company that follows all those vital standards, consider Fetching Foods for your next cat food purchase. At Fetching Foods, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality cat and dog food as well as plenty of helpful information for pet owners. Contact us today to learn more about our fantastic pet food.
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