Meat · updated 2026-09-12
Can cats eat raw meat?
Same rules — cooked is the safe default.
Why
Cats are carnivores, but raw supermarket meat carries bacteria and parasites; balanced raw diets are a considered choice, not a scrap.
What to do instead
Cook it, or follow a complete raw plan with hygiene.
Symptoms to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhoea; toxoplasmosis risk from raw meat.
If your cat has eaten raw meat, don't wait for symptoms.
Call your vet, or in the US the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), 24 hours a day. Have the amount, the time and any packaging ready.
And for dogs?
Avoid. Only as part of a vet-guided raw diet — never casual scraps. Can dogs eat raw meat? →
Related foods for cats
See the whole list: Can cats eat…? · printable fridge chart
This guide is general information for healthy adult cats, based on published veterinary guidance (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, AKC, VCA). It is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your cat's weight, age and medical history. If you are unsure, ask them before sharing any human food.