Raw or Cooked Meat for Cats? Advice for New Cat Owners

Regarding a cat’s diet, whether to feed it raw meat or cooked meat has long prompted two different viewpoints. Proponents of raw meat argue that cooking may lead to nutrient loss and that the taste is less appealing, whereas supporters of cooked meat contend that raw meat is unhygienic, prone to bacterial contamination, and may carry parasites.

In fact, there is no need to get stuck in such a debate. First, concerning nutrition, how much nutrient loss cooking actually causes lacks definitive research. Similarly, precise data on the exact amounts of each nutrient a cat requires are also missing.

Since we humans can meet our daily nutritional needs with cooked food, the same logic applies to cats: it should be fine. As for palatability, most cats may prefer raw meat. However, when feeding raw meat, you must pay attention to the following points.

Precautions for Feeding Cats Raw Meat

How to Handle Raw Meat More Safely

After purchasing store-bought meat and bringing it home, it is not feasible to simply chop it up and feed it to your cat. In the wild, cats consume very fresh prey, whereas meat bought in stores has been exposed to air and is more likely to harbor bacteria. Therefore, you must freeze the meat at low temperature for over 72 hours (i.e., at −18°C or below for at least 72 hours) to kill parasites and parasite eggs before it is safe to feed.

Thawing Methods and Recommended Frequency

It’s best to thaw only the amount you need each time, and remember to deworm your cat regularly (e.g., monthly).

We also do not recommend repeatedly freezing and thawing the meat, as this can affect meat quality.

Raw or Cooked Meat: Which Is More Suitable for Cats?

In simple terms, feeding either raw meat or cooked meat is acceptable for cats. Cooked food is relatively easier to prepare and is more suitable for beginners. So, how should you proceed?

You can let your cat try both and see which it prefers.