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Myths About Feeding Your Kitten a Raw Meat Diet
Myths About Feeding Your Kitten a Raw Meat Diet

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Can Kittens Eat Raw Meat?

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Cats are carnivorous animals who typically depend on meat protein for their regular growth and development. But can kittens eat raw meat? Well, while cats do enjoy feasting on meat from other animals, they should do so only after a certain age. Younger kittens generally do not have the metabolism and capacity to digest raw meat. Hence, pet parents should start a raw diet for kittens only once they turn 3 to 4 weeks old.

Is raw meat good for kittens?

Although cats relish their portion of raw meat, feeding it to kittens is a totally different topic. Since kittens are still at a developing stage, they are more sensitive and need additional care. Yet, feeding raw meat to kittens is not an unheard practice. However, uncooked and unprocessed raw meat often carry harmful microbes which may hamper the kitty’s health. Hence, it is not recommended to feed raw meat to kittens.

Why can’t kittens eat raw meat?

While there is no evidence that raw meat offers more nutrition than other types of cat food (and vice versa), here are two reasons why kittens shouldn’t eat raw meat:

  • Infectious bacteria

Raw food is not recommended for cats because it contains bacteria like Salmonella and listeria. These bacteria can make both the pet as well as caregivers sick. And it is no news that food-borne diseases can at times be fatal.

  • Bone pieces

Raw meat often contains small bone pieces and that can be dangerous for the kitten. These pieces can cause intestinal blockage. In fact, they can even cut the insides of your pet’s digestive system. Moreover, bone pieces can also fracture the cat’s teeth. If your cat is an aggressive chewer, feeding raw meat with bones could even break your feline friend’s tooth.

Alternatives to raw meat for cats

Now, as a cat parent, you might assume that home-cooked food is the best choice for your cat. However, it is a daunting and time-consuming process. You will have to understand cat’s feeding needs to ensure that it meets the daily nutrition quota. Along with protein, our feline family member also needs essential micronutrients like iron sodium, chloride, magnesium, etc. Hence, going for wet cat food products and kibbles is a feasible option. It saves you the effort of cooking food every day while also offering complete nutrition to your pet. Let’s explore the benefits of feeding wet cat food and kibbles to your cat:

Wet cat food

  • It contains 78% moisture; hence, wet cat food keeps dehydration at bay.
  • Since wet cat food is made using animal protein, it offers essential amino acids like taurine to cats.
  • Cat food brands like IAMS understand a cat’s nutritional needs. Hence, you do not have to worry about your pet’s diet being high on carbs.
  • Micronutrients are essential for a healthy immune system. Therefore, wet cat foods are loaded with chloride, potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamins, etc.

Kibbles

  • Kibbles work well with dispenser toys; hence, they can be used to provide mental stimulation.
  • Since this type of cat food is dry and crunchy, it reduces plaque and tartar build up.
  • Kibbles have a better shelf life and are easy to store as well as serve.
  • If your cat is malnourished, this high-calorie food will help your pet gain the necessary weight and energy.

Note: Get in touch with your vet to make sure you feed the right quantities of both wet and dry cat food to your pet. 

At IAMS, we offer dry cat food and kibbles that are made with premium-quality meat like chicken, tuna, and salmon. Along with being rich in protein, our range of cat food is also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals for cats.

What should you do if your cat eats raw meat?

If your cat accidently eats raw meat, take it to your vet as soon as possible. Cats exhibit the following symptoms every time they eat something their system doesn’t accept:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lack of appetite
  • Lethargy

Frequently asked questions

  1. What happens when my kitten eats raw meat?
  2. If a cat eats raw meat, it can lead to food-borne diseases, digestive issues, and tooth fracture.

  3. Is raw food safe for kittens?
  4. No, raw food is not safe for kittens as it often contains infectious bacteria and small bone pieces that can cause fatal health problems.

  5. Can I feed my kitten raw meat if it is fresh?


  6. Since kittens are still at a growing stage, their immune system is not strong enough to fight harmful bacteria present in raw meat. Hence, it is not recommended to feed any kind of raw meat to kittens.

  7. Can kittens eat raw chicken?
  8. No. Kittens shouldn’t eat raw chicken as it can cause severe health problems. Since cats are carnivores, they require animal protein for sustenance. Hence, cat parents should opt for wet and/or dry cat food that are developed to support your pet’s overall health.

Myths About Feeding Your Kitten a Raw Meat Diet
Myths About Feeding Your Kitten a Raw Meat Diet
  • Feeding Guidelines For Your Cat
    Feeding Guidelines For Your Cat
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    How To Take Care Of A Cat?

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    Cats are known to be solitary creatures and enjoy spending time with themselves. However, as a pet parent, you must ensure that your cat remains healthy. It is advisable to keep an eye on your cat’s behavior to detect a sudden change, even what it eats, and in how much quantity. A regular health checkup is one of the most basic yet essential steps to a cat/kitty care guide. Taking care of cats is comparatively easier than taking care of kittens. A diligently followed routine for cat care can also be quite helpful. So, before we tell you how to take care of cat, here are few dos and don’ts every cat owner must know.

    Do's & Don'ts Every Cat Parent Should Know:

    Here’s your cat care 101 –

    • Medical care -

      Adult cats should be taken to the vet for a complete checkup at least once a year. This will ensure that your cat is in good health and will also catch any disease symptom overlooked by you.
    • Hygiene –

      Hygiene is one of the most basic cat care tips. Cats usually lick and clean themselves, but it is always advisable to bathe your cat every 4-6 weeks. Their crates should also be cleaned regularly to make sure they do not fall sick.
    • Feeding –

      Till the time your kitten is four months old, it can be fed three times a day. Post four months, you can begin the transition to feeding it twice a day. It is still advisable to consult a vet before deciding the frequency of the meals.
    • Dental care -

      Your cat’s dental care is just as important as yours. It is advisable to set a dental care routine right from its kitten phase. You can dip your gloved finger in a little toothpaste made for cats in its mouth to clean their teeth and gums. If your cat’s mouth smells bad, it may be an indication of a disease. So, book an appointment with your vet without any delay.
    • Socializing -

      You can get your cat to socialize too, but you have to keep a few things in mind. You may get down to its level to initiate contact and speak in a calm voice. You may also pat its head to let it get familiarized with your touch.
      Now that you know these cat care tips, let’s understand how you can housetrain your cat.

    Housetraining Your Cat

    Now that you have brought your cat home, the next step is to comfortably settle it in your house. Housetraining might sound like a tedious task, but it isn’t. With a little practise and lots of patience, you can easily housetrain your cat. Some of the most basic things to keep in mind while housetraining your cat include providing a proper litter box, spaying your cat, toilet training and cat proofing the house. Given below are some tips that may help you easily housetrain your cat:

    • Litter box –

      It is advisable to place the litter box in an easily accessible location. You should avoid moving the litter box unless necessary. And even if you have to move it, shift it a few inches every day. Also, keep in mind that your cat will not use a dirty or smelly litter box. Hence, scoop out the solid waste at least once a day and clean it using mild detergents.
    • Cat-Proofing –

      It is important that you keep harmful things out of reach from your cat. First and foremost, tie up all loose cables and wires so that your cat won’t get tangled in them. Make sure candles and other flaming substances are kept at an unobtainable distance from the cat. If you use essential oils frequently, make sure your cats do not come in contact with them either, because certain ingredients in these oils may be toxic for your feline friend.
    • Spaying –

      Spaying your cat has several health benefits and ensures your cat lives a healthy life. You may fix an appointment to spay your kitten when it is as young as eight weeks old. If you have a cat, it is advisable to get it spayed before it reaches five months of age.
    • Toilet Training –

      This is one of the major concerns of all cat parents. Here’s how you can toilet-train your cat with a few simple steps –
      1) Place the cat’s litter box closer to the washroom.
      2) Raise the height of the litter box a little every day.
      3) Slowly, transition your cat to use the actual washroom every time it wants to go.
      4) Give your cat a treat each time it uses the washroom. This will encourage good behavior.

    Common Cat Diseases

    Taking care of your cat’s health comes first in the cat/kitty care guide. Even though cats lick and self-groom themselves, they cannot get better on their own if they contract the following diseases:

    • Vomiting –

      This is one of the most common health issues in cats and is caused by various factors. Hairballs, eating something inedible, or a urinary tract infection are some of the reasons why your cat may be vomiting.
    • Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD) –

      Both male and female cats can contract FLUTD and its main cause is obesity or only eating dry food. Some of the symptoms of FLUTD are bloody urine, crying while urinating, straining to pee, licking around the urinary area due to pain, dehydration, and vomiting.
    • Diarrhea -

      Cancer, infection, allergy and bad food can be the causes of diarrhoea. It is advisable to give your cat a lot of fresh water to drink if it has diarrhoea.
    • Tapeworms –

      Tapeworms can cause extreme discomfort to your cat as they reside in its intestines. You can spot tapeworms with your naked eye in your cat’s stools. The symptoms of worms are vomiting and weight loss.
    • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) –

      This virus can make the immune cells attack the white blood cells in the cat’s body. This gradually weakens the cat’s immune system. FIV’s symptoms are poor coat condition, persistent diarrhea, seizures, eye problems, lack of appetite, and recurring fever.
      If you notice unaccountable minor changes in your cat, then it is advisable to rush to the vet to rule out any of the above-mentioned diseases and seek proper treatment on time.

    Cat Care Tips for First Time Owners

    ‘How to take care of a cat’ is a question asked by many first-time cat owners, as cats can be difficult to figure out. But with a few careful steps, you can easily take care of your cat. Here are some cat care tips for first-time cat owners:

    • Cats are not easily adaptive to change.

      So, when you bring your cat home for the first time, you need to help it familiarize with the new surroundings by setting up its own space in the house. You can also add a cheery vibe to its crate by adding toys and a blanket.
    • Find a vet you can visit for your cat’s timely checkups.

      It is not advisable to ignore even the smallest recognized change in its health, and it is better to get it checked by the vet.
    • Cats love quality playtime as well.

      We recommend you get adorable toys for your feline friend to play with. You, too, can bond with your cat during this time.
    • Give

      it time to adapt to its new surroundings and the new people around them.
    • Ensure

      you buy healthy cat food for your new friend in advance and set a timetable for its meals.

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