Is a raw diet good for cats?

As obligate carnivores, cats have a digestive system adapted to raw animal prey — which makes a well-formulated raw diet theoretically more aligned with their biology than processed kibble. But "theoretically aligned" and "nutritionally complete and safe" are not the same thing.

What a raw diet for cats looks like

Common approaches include:
- BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) — raw muscle meat, raw meaty bones, organs, eggs, and small amounts of vegetables
- Whole prey — whole small animals (mice, chicks, quail), bones included
- Commercial raw — frozen or freeze-dried raw formulas sold in pet stores

Potential benefits

- Higher moisture content than dry food (supports urinary and kidney health)
- High protein, low carbohydrate (well-suited to feline metabolism)
- Some owners report improved coat quality, smaller stools, and better weight management
- Avoids preservatives, artificial ingredients, and excess carbohydrates found in some kibbles

Risks and limitations

- Bacterial contamination — raw meat frequently contains Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter. Cats can shed these bacteria in faeces, posing a risk to humans (particularly children and immunocompromised individuals).
- Nutritional imbalance — this is the most serious risk of homemade raw. Cats require very specific levels of taurine, arachidonic acid, vitamin A (retinol), and niacin — deficiencies cause heart disease, blindness, and reproductive failure. Most home-prepared raw recipes are nutritionally incomplete.
- Thiamine deficiency — raw freshwater fish contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1), causing neurological damage. Raw saltwater fish is safer in moderation.
- Parasites — Toxoplasma gondii (a parasite in raw meat) can be shed in cat faeces and is dangerous to pregnant women.

Safer options if you want to feed raw

1. Use commercially prepared raw diets that are HPP (high-pressure pasteurised) and AAFCO-complete
2. If feeding homemade raw, have the recipe reviewed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist
3. Freeze meat for at least 3 weeks before feeding to reduce (not eliminate) parasite risk
4. Never feed raw to kittens, elderly cats, or immunocompromised animals

Flovvi tip

Track your cat's weight and any changes in litter box behaviour (frequency, consistency) in Flovvi when transitioning to any new diet. Digestive changes during transition are normal for 5–10 days; persistent issues warrant a vet call.