Proponents of raw meat diets for cats cite improved coat health, reduced odor, and fewer medical conditions. Consequently, the practice of feeding raw diets, including raw chicken, to cats has seen an increase. In 2018, approximately 4% of cat owners reported feeding raw cat food, with likely more supplementing with raw ‘human’ food.

While humans are cautioned against consuming raw chicken due to the risk of Salmonella and other pathogens, the question arises: is raw chicken safe for cats?

While cats can consume raw chicken, it poses notable health risks. Chicken, whether raw or cooked, is a valuable protein source for felines, but cooked meat offers significantly greater safety. Raw meat can harbor bacteria that cause illness, particularly in the case of chicken.

Cats exhibit some resistance to raw meat pathogens. Although humans typically experience illness from consuming raw chicken, cats may show minimal or no immediate symptoms. While some cats might display signs like vomiting and diarrhea, many appear unaffected.

However, labeling raw chicken as ‘safe’ for cats is inaccurate. Although they are less susceptible to immediate illness than humans, some cats will develop serious, potentially long-term health issues.

Advocates of raw feeding argue that cats derive nutritional benefits from raw meat that are lost during cooking, claiming it is more digestible and ‘biologically appropriate.’ However, scientific studies have not conclusively demonstrated improved health outcomes in cats fed raw diets.

From a veterinary perspective, intentionally feeding raw chicken is not recommended. Cooked chicken, such as boiled chicken, is a safer alternative. However, if a cat accidentally consumes a small amount of raw chicken, immediate veterinary intervention is generally unnecessary.

The Dangers of Raw Chicken for Cats

Raw chicken is frequently contaminated with Salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria. A limited study revealed Salmonella contamination in 80% of chicken-based raw meat diets. While cats possess some resistance to these pathogens, they are not immune. Furthermore, these bacteria can spread to food bowls, saliva, fur, and feces, posing a risk of human infection.

Some raw food manufacturers employ freezing or freeze-drying techniques to mitigate this risk. However, these methods do not guarantee safety. Salmonella can survive freezing, and it has been detected in freeze-dried diets.

The only effective method to eliminate bacterial contamination in chicken is stringent hygiene practices at farms, abattoirs, and processing facilities. However, as evidenced by frequent human illness cases, pathogenic bacteria can still penetrate the food chain. Approximately 1 in 25 supermarket chicken packages are contaminated with disease-causing bacteria.

To minimize the risk of exposing your cat to Salmonella, E. coli, or other harmful bacteria, cooking chicken before feeding is the safest practice.

Raw Chicken For Your Cat

When it comes to raw chicken in cat food, it’s not just the chicken breasts that are used. While humans often prefer chicken breasts, legs, and wings, feline diets can include a variety of chicken parts. Chicken livers, organs like lungs, and muscle meat are all commonly found in commercial raw cat foods.

Is Raw Chicken Breast Safe for Cats?

Chicken breast is one of the most common raw chicken parts that cats may encounter. While it is safe for cats to eat, it carries the same risks as other raw poultry. Uncooked chicken, including breast meat, can be contaminated with harmful bacteria, which poses a health risk to both cats and their owners.

Can Cats Eat Chicken Bones?

Chicken bones are generally unsafe for cats. Bird bones are fragile and can splinter easily, creating sharp fragments that may injure a cat’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract. Cooked bones are especially hazardous, as they become brittle and more prone to breaking.

That said, raw bones are softer and less likely to splinter than cooked ones. If offering bones, avoid long leg bones, which are harder and riskier, and opt for neck bones instead, as they tend to be more pliable. Some commercial cat foods contain ground chicken bones, often in the form of bone meal, which provides essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. This is a much safer way for cats to consume bones.

Keep in mind that raw bones, just like raw meat, may carry bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, so the same precautions should be taken.

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Is Raw Chicken Liver Good for Cats?

Raw chicken liver is a common ingredient in raw cat diets. It is rich in iron, vitamin A, and protein, making it a nutritious addition to a cat’s meal plan. However, it should only make up a small percentage of their diet, as excessive vitamin A can lead to toxicity.

Like other raw meats, chicken liver carries the risk of bacterial contamination and parasites. For this reason, I prefer to cook liver before feeding it to my cat to improve its safety. The same applies to other organ meats, such as chicken hearts. Cooking them slightly can help reduce the risks while still providing valuable nutrients.

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Fat?

Cats rely on fat as an essential energy source and can tolerate higher amounts of it compared to some other animals. Fat also plays a role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. However, chicken fat is calorie-dense, and excessive amounts can contribute to obesity. Since it’s often difficult to recognize when a cat is overweight, regular vet check-ups are important.

For cats that maintain a healthy weight, small amounts of chicken fat aren’t harmful. However, raw fat can still harbor bacteria like Salmonella, so it should be handled with care.

What About Raw Chicken Skin?

Raw chicken skin is not recommended for cats. It is the fattiest part of the chicken and may contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently. Additionally, raw skin…like other raw poultry products…carries a risk of bacterial contamination.

Guidelines for Feeding Raw Chicken to Cats

If you decide to include raw chicken in your cat’s diet, there are a few precautions to take. Raw chicken should never be the only component of their meals, as it does not provide complete nutrition. Instead, look for an AAFCO-approved raw food formulated to meet feline dietary needs. Making a homemade raw diet is not advisable, as it increases the risk of nutritional deficiencies and bacterial exposure for both your cat and your household.

If you’re offering raw chicken as an occasional treat, keep it to no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. The remaining 90% should come from a nutritionally balanced source, such as their regular cat food. Be sure to adjust their main meals accordingly to avoid overfeeding.

Safe Practices for Feeding Raw Chicken to Cats

Handle Raw Chicken with Caution

Raw chicken carries a high risk of bacterial contamination, so it’s crucial to handle it carefully. Treat your cat’s raw food with the same precautions you would take when handling raw poultry. Always wash your hands, utensils, and food preparation surfaces thoroughly after contact with raw chicken. Clean your cat’s food bowls immediately after use to minimize bacterial spread. Additionally, your cat’s saliva and fur may carry bacteria, so avoid letting them lick you and wash your hands after petting them—especially if anyone in your household is immunocompromised.

Introduce Raw Chicken Gradually

Not all cats will tolerate raw chicken. Some may have allergies or sensitivities, while others might experience digestive discomfort due to the change in diet. Symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea can occur, so it’s best to start with a small portion—about a teaspoon—and monitor your cat for 48 hours. If no adverse reactions occur, you can slowly increase the amount.

Monitor Caloric Intake

When adding raw chicken to your cat’s diet, be mindful of their total calorie intake. If raw chicken is given as an extra treat, adjust their regular meals accordingly to prevent overfeeding. Keep in mind that any unbalanced food additions, including raw chicken, should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. Otherwise, your cat’s diet may become nutritionally deficient.

The Rub

There is no proven benefit to feeding raw chicken over cooked chicken, but there are added risks. Most of our veterinarians and cat nutritionists on staff do not personally recommend raw meat for cats. However, if you choose to feed raw chicken, taking the proper precautions can help reduce potential health hazards.

In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.

In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.

About The Author

Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.