Cats are obligate carnivores, and raw meat matches their ancestral diet in theory, but home-prepared raw feeding carries real risks. Raw poultry, beef, and other meats can harbor bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli that make cats sick and can spread to people, especially young children, elderly household members, or anyone immunocompromised.

Parasites including Toxoplasma may be present in some raw tissues. Freezing reduces but does not eliminate all pathogens. Commercial raw diets vary in quality and pathogen testing; if you consider them, discuss sourcing, handling, and your cat’s health with your veterinarian.

A balanced raw diet is not just muscle meat. Cats need correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids like taurine. Long-term imbalance causes bone disease, heart problems, and other conditions. Recipes from non-experts are a common source of error.

Benefits claimed for raw feeding, such as shinier coats, are anecdotal and must be weighed against documented infection risk. Cooked complete commercial foods and veterinary-formulated cooked homemade plans are alternatives if you want tight control with less microbial hazard.

If you ever feed raw, use dedicated utensils, disinfect surfaces, and store food frozen in small batches. Never leave raw food out for long periods. Stop and call your vet if you see vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after a diet change.