Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken? Yes, but They Need More Than That

You should know a few things before giving your cat raw meat. larisa Stefanjuk / Shutterstock

If you're considering a raw diet for your feline friend, you've probably asked: Can cats eat raw chicken? The answer is yes, but with big caveats.

While cats can eat raw meat, including chicken, safely preparing and handling it is crucial to protect both your cat’s health and your own.

Cats are obligate carnivores, and their digestive systems are designed to process animal protein. In the wild, cats eat raw meat regularly. However, feeding raw chicken to domesticated cat breeds carries potential risks and must be done carefully.

Raw Chicken and a Cat's Diet

cat — Cats love fresh meat, but it doesn't always love them. Rutina / Shutterstock

Cats eat chicken—raw or cooked—but fresh raw meat alone lacks the full nutritional profile your pet needs. Reputable cat food based on raw meat diets typically includes balanced portions of organs, bones, and supplements.

Feeding your cat raw chicken might mimic what wild cats eat, but it shouldn’t be the only item in their food bowl. A cat’s raw chicken dinner needs to be part of a complete and balanced diet, supplying essential nutrients like taurine, calcium, and fatty acids.

Health Risks and Raw Meat Safety

Feeding raw chicken involves risk. Raw chicken can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which may cause digestive upset in cats and illness in humans. Always buy fresh raw meat from a trusted source and practice proper hygiene when handling raw meat.

Clean all the surfaces and utensils thoroughly.
Don’t leave raw food sitting out.
Avoid feeding raw bacon or other raw foods that are processed or high in fat.

While cats have a shorter digestive tract that’s more resistant to some bacteria, they're not immune. Feeding raw meat should be a deliberate choice guided by pet nutritionists or veterinarians.

What About Raw Chicken Bones?

Perhaps counterintuitively, raw chicken bones are safer for cats than cooked chicken bones. sophiecat / Shutterstock

Raw chicken bones, such as necks, are softer than cooked bones, but they can still splinter or cause internal injuries.

However, cooked bones become brittle and can splinter, posing choking hazards or damaging the digestive tract. Never feed your cat cooked bones.

Even with raw bones, monitor your cat closely. Dangerous small bone pieces can still pose risks, especially for kittens or cats new to raw diets.

Kittens and Raw Meat

Kittens can eat raw meat, but their meals must be carefully balanced and portioned for their growth. Feeding raw meat to kittens without veterinary guidance may result in nutrient deficiencies.

Cats can also eat raw chicken liver or hearts, but again, these should be occasional treats and not a staple food unless included in a balanced raw food diet.

How to Safely Feed Raw Chicken to Cats

Feed fresh, high-quality raw chicken in small, measured portions.
Avoid adding salt, spices, or sauces.
Rotate with other raw foods for variety.
Consult with a veterinarian before starting a raw food diet.

Feeding cats raw chicken can be safe and even beneficial, but only when handled properly and supplemented with other foods to create a complete, balanced meal.

Cats can eat raw chicken, but that doesn’t mean they should eat only raw chicken. A balanced diet, proper food handling, and expert advice are key to making raw feeding a healthy option for your cat. If you’re unsure, consult a vet before adding such meal options to your cat’s routine.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.