Can Cats Eat Raw Pork? (Yes, But Count the Risks)

Cats have been known to eat just about anything, but that doesn’t mean that everything is good for them. So, can cats eat raw pork?

Yes, cats can technically eat raw pork, but there are some risks involved. Pork that is not cooked properly can contain harmful bacteria that can make your cat sick. Additionally, raw pork fat can be hard for cats to digest and can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Therefore, it is generally best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding your cat raw pork altogether. Keep reading more to know about the pros and cons of feeding raw pork to cats!

Here, I’ll also share some tips on how to properly prepare raw pork for your feline friend, just in case you decide to go ahead with it.

Can Cats Eat Raw Pork Chops?

Raw pork chops are not a part of a cat’s natural diet. Domestic cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal protein to survive.

Their intestines are shorter than those of dogs and other omnivores and are not as efficient at digesting plant material. For these reasons, a diet consisting only of raw pork chops would likely lead to nutritional deficiencies over time.

In addition, raw pork may harbor bacteria that can cause food poisoning in cats. For these reasons, it is best to feed your cat a diet that is specifically designed for their needs. If you have any questions about your cat’s diet, please consult with your veterinarian.

Can Cats Eat Raw Pork Sausage?

While there are a variety of opinions out there about what cats should and shouldn’t eat, the truth is that cats are relatively tolerant of different types of foods.

That said, there are still some general guidelines that you should follow when it comes to feeding your feline friend. For example, raw pork sausage is not a good choice for a cat. Pork, in general, is hard for cats to digest and can cause stomach upset.

In addition, raw pork sausage may contain bacteria that can make your cat sick. So, while your cat might enjoy the taste of raw pork sausage, it’s best to stick with more traditional cat food options.

Can Cats Eat Raw Pork Liver?

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they depend on nutrients found only in animal tissue. Their intestines are relatively short, so they can efficiently absorb the nutrients they need from muscle meat, organ meat, and bone.

Liver is an especially rich source of nutrients, including vitamin A, copper, and iron. For this reason, many commercial cat foods include liver as an ingredient.

While there is nothing wrong with feeding your cat small amounts of raw pork liver as part of a balanced diet, it’s important to remember that liver can also be high in cholesterol and fat.

Therefore, it’s best to feed liver in moderation and to consult with your veterinarian about how much liver your cat can safely consume.

Can Cats Eat Raw Pork Bones?

Pork bones, whether raw or cooked, can pose a serious health risk to your cat. Pork bones are often contaminated with bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal illness in cats. In addition, pork bones can splinter and break, causing potentially fatal internal injuries.

If you want to give your cat a bone to chew on, it’s best to choose one that has been properly processed and sterilized to minimize the risk of contamination.

You should also avoid giving your cat any bone that is small enough to be swallowed whole, as this can cause choking or blockages. Ultimately, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat any type of bone.

Why Raw Pork Feeding is Dangerous for Cats?

Here I’ll go over some dangers associated with feeding your cat raw pork.

1. May Contain Bacteria

Yes, even pork chops straight from the butcher can contain bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. While cooking the pork will kill the bacteria, feeding your cat raw pork means that they’re at risk of becoming sick.

2. May Not Be Easily Digested

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their bodies are designed to digest animal protein. However, that doesn’t mean that all types of animal protein are equally easy for them to digest.

Pork is relatively tough for cats to digest, so feeding them a diet that consists mostly of raw pork can lead to stomach upset and other digestive problems.

3. May Cause Nutritional Deficiencies

A diet consisting only of raw pork will not provide your cat with the nutrients they need to survive. For example, pork does not contain enough taurine, an essential amino acid that is vital for heart health.

Additionally, a diet lacking in variety can lead to deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals over time.

4. May Pose a Choking Hazard

Bones are one of the biggest dangers associated with feeding your cat raw pork. Pork bones can splinter and break, causing serious internal injuries. In addition, small bones can pose a choking hazard.

5. May Cause Allergic Reactions

While it’s not as common as some other allergies, some cats are allergic to pork. symptoms of a pork allergy in cats may include itching, redness, and swelling around the face and lips. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur.

If you think your cat may be allergic to pork, it’s important to take them to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Health Benefits of Feeding Raw Pork to Cats

Raw pork can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet for your cat. However, it’s important to feed it in moderation and to make sure that your cat is getting the nutrients they need from other sources as well.

Here I’ll go over some of the potential health benefits of feeding raw pork to your cat.

1. May Be Easily Digested

I know I said that pork can be tough for cats to digest, but it’s actually easier for them to digest than some other types of animal protein. This is because pork contains more fat and connective tissue than other meats like chicken or turkey.

Cats have shorter digestive tracts than we do, so they’re not able to break down these types of proteins as easily. However, the higher fat content in pork makes it easier for them to digest.

2. May Be a Good Source of Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient for cats, and pork is a good source of high-quality protein. This is important for maintaining lean muscle mass, keeping the immune system strong, and more.

3. May Be a Good Source of Fat

Fat is another essential nutrient for cats, and pork fat is a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients are important for skin and coat health, joint function, and more.

4. May Be a Good Source of B vitamins

Pork is also a good source of several B vitamins, including vitamin B12. These vitamins are important for energy metabolism, nervous system function, and more.

5. May Be a Good Source of Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that is found only in animal protein. It’s important for heart health, eye health, and more. While pork doesn’t contain as much taurine as some other meats, it’s still a good source of this essential nutrient.

How to Feed Your Cat Raw Pork Safely?

Now that you know some of the potential benefits of feeding raw pork to your cat, you might be wondering how to do it safely. Here are a few tips:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Pork

When feeding your cat raw pork, it’s important to choose the right cut. Pork tenderloin is a good option because it’s lean and easy to chew.

2. Remove the Bones

Bones are one of the biggest dangers associated with feeding raw pork to your cat. To avoid this, make sure to remove all bones from the meat before feeding it to your cat.

3. Avoid Fatty Cuts

While fat is an essential nutrient for cats, too much fat can lead to stomach upset and other digestive problems. For this reason, it’s best to avoid fatty cuts of pork like bacon or sausage.

4. Feed in Moderation

Raw pork should only be fed to your cat in moderation. It’s a good idea to start by adding a small amount to their regular diet and gradually increasing the amount as needed.

5. Talk to Your Vet

Before starting your cat on a raw diet, it’s always a good idea to talk to your vet first. They can help you create a balanced diet that meets all of your cat’s nutritional needs.

Pork is a nutritious option that can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet for your cat. However, it’s important to feed it in moderation and to remove all bones before feeding. You should also talk to your vet before starting your cat on a raw diet.

Tips for Transitioning Your Cat to a Raw Diet

If you’re interested in feeding your cat a raw diet, it’s important to do it slowly and safely. Here are a few tips to help you transition your cat to a raw diet:

1. Start With Small Amounts

When first starting out, it’s best to feed your cat small amounts of raw meat. This will help them adjust to the new diet and avoid any digestive problems.

2. Add New Foods Gradually

Don’t try to add too many new foods at once. Instead, slowly add new items to their diet one at a time. This will help them get used to the new taste and texture of the food.

3. Monitor Their Stools

When first starting a raw diet, it’s important to monitor your cat’s stools closely. Look for any changes in consistency or frequency. If you notice any changes, contact your vet right away.

4. Look for Any Signs of Illness

It’s also important to keep an eye out for any signs of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you notice any changes in your cat’s health, contact your vet right away.

5. Vet Check-Ups

Finally, it’s important to take your cat for regular vet check-ups. This will help ensure that they’re getting all the nutrients they need and that there are no underlying health problems.

Following these tips will help you transition your cat to a raw diet safely and effectively. If you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your vet before making any changes to your cat’s diet.

My Thoughts on Feeding Raw Pork to Cats

I recently had a client ask me about feeding raw pork to her cat. While I don’t recommend this diet for most cats, I thought it would be helpful to share my thoughts on the subject.

First, it’s important to understand that raw pork can contain harmful bacteria that can make your cat sick. Additionally, raw pork is more likely to contain parasites than other types of meat.

As a result, I recommend avoiding raw pork unless you are able to source it from a reputable butcher who grinds the meat fresh and freezes it immediately.

If you do choose to feed raw pork to your cat, be sure to cook it thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria. Finally, always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet.