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

adp_description_block54
Can Kittens Eat Raw Meat?

  • Share

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
  • Kitten and cat adoption basics
    Kitten and cat adoption basics
    adp_description_block263
    All You Need To Know Before Adopting A Cat

    • Share

    Adopting a cat can see you develop one of the most beautiful bonds of your life as you connect with your feline friend. Cats are playful creatures who can be very affectionate and form a strong relationship with you. Every time you play with your cat or simply spend time with them, you may notice a significant drop in stress levels and experience a boost of happiness. However, it is important to remember that cat adoption is a big decision which comes with a lot of responsibilities. Your home will become the cat’s home and you become their family. To ensure they get the best possible future with you, there are a few things that you need to understand before proceeding with cat adoption.
     

    Things to consider before cat adoption

    Whether you are opting to adopt a kitten or a grown cat, here are some things you need to consider before going through with the entire process.

     

    1. The cat will need to be spayed/neutered:

       If the cat has not been spayed or neutered already at the time of adoption, you will need to get this done. If you are adopting a kitten, you will need to get them spayed/neutered once they are of suitable age. Do talk to the shelter house and a vet for more information on the procedure.
       
    2. Proceed with cat adoption only after reviewing your routine:

      If you lead a busy lifestyle, you will need to consider how you will make time for your cat. This includes taking care of your cat and maintaining their feeding times. You will need to dedicate your time to planning the right food, serving meals at proper intervals, and ensuring that you can make time for play too.
    3. Adoption is a long-term commitment:

      Adoption is a permanent duty and a bond that lasts for a lifetime. When you bring home a rescued cat or adopt one from a shelter, you are providing the animal with new hope. The cat will be a member of your family and you will need to treat them as such. The lifespan of cats generally ranges from 12 to 20 years, and this is how long your commitment will be. Only once you have considered the enormity of your decision and are ready for it, should you go through with cat or kitten adoption.

     

     

    Providing favorable conditions for the adopted cat

    Before you bring home an adopted or a rescued cat, you will need to make a few changes in your house to create favorable conditions for them. You can begin by doing the following:

     

    1. Remove items that can be toxic to a cat, like certain plants or chemical agents.
    2. Cover up exposed electrical wires in a way that the cat can’t reach them (since they might try to chew up the wire, which can lead to a severe accident).
    3. Prepare your kids and teach them the basics of being responsible around a cat.
    4. Keep a special room or space for the cat, so they can feel safe and get a sense of belonging.
    5. Find a vet near your area where you can take the rescued cat for regular check-ups.

     

    What are some benefits of cat adoption?

    Adopting a cat also has many benefits such as:
     

    1. You help a cat in need:

       If you adopt a cat instead of buying one, you will be helping a cat in need. You will be giving a rescued cat much-needed shelter, their own space, and a family that loves them.
       
    2. The cat will most likely be trained:

      A cat that is adopted from a shelter will already be trained in basic activities like feeding from a bowl and using a scratching post.
       
    3. You can adopt a cat based on their personality:

      One of the biggest benefits of adopting a cat from a shelter is that they often have an already established personality. This makes it easier for people to adopt a cat that best suits their lifestyle.

     

    Factors to keep in mind when adopting a cat

    When adopting a cat, here are a few factors you should keep in mind:

     

    1. Presence of other pet cats:

      If you have other cats at home, you will need to adopt a cat that likes their company. You can talk to the shelter home about this, so they direct you to cats who bond well with other cats.
       
    2. The inevitable costs:

      Adopting and taking care of cats means having to bear quite a few costs – costs of regular vet visits, medicines, foods, toys, and more. Moreover, if you are bringing home a rescued cat, they may require even more care and attention from a vet. So, do consider these costs before proceeding with the adoption.
       
    3. Your routine:

      When you adopt a cat, you should be able to make time for them and give them proper care and attention. You can also consider adopting a cat whose lifestyle matches yours. For instance, a cat who likes being independent can be a perfect choice for someone who is often busy.
       

     Essentials to purchase for your cat

    To give your cat the best life, ensure that you have all of the following essentials:

     

    1. Food and water bowls
    2. Litter box
    3. Scratching post
    4. Toys
    5. Cat nips
    6. Cat grooming equipment
    7. A durable carrier or crate
    8. Cat bed
    9. Collar with an ID tag 

Close modal