Can Cats Eat Raw Mince?

The long answer: Raw mince is finely chopped beef that is uncooked. Though cats are obligate carnivores that need animal-derived meat to survive, think twice before you feed raw mince to your pet. WebMD states that raw meat should not be given to your cat because it may contain bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella that may harm her. Aside from that, ground beef is fattier compared to other meats. 

If you decide to feed your cat human-grade raw mince, make sure it comes from a trusted source, does not have preservatives, and contains all the nutrients your cat needs. The uncooked beef should be prepared correctly and not have ingredients such as garlic, onion, and salt. These are highly toxic for cats. Additionally, it is best to follow the guidelines created by the US Food and Drug administration to prevent infections that may arise from handling raw food. 

What to do if your cat accidentally eats raw mince: Keep a close watch on her, and figure out how much raw mince she has consumed. Observe her for signs of poisoning. Symptoms include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, twitching and fitting, breathing difficulties, shock or collapse, inflammation or swelling of the skin, depression or coma, and changes in drinking, urinating and appetite. If she manifests any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately. 

In summary: Consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist before feeding raw mince to your pet cat. Allowing her to eat uncooked meat increases the chances of parasites entering her body, resulting in intestinal infections. These bacteria may also be passed on to other pets and humans. Instead of raw mince, discover which human food cats can safely consume in our “can cats eat” category.

References:

Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat

Poisoning in Cats

Is Raw Cat Food Good for Cats?

Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet

Can Cats Eat Ground Beef – Raw, Cooked, Or Unhealthy?

By Mimi Tiu

A freelance editor based in the Philippines, Mimi Tiu is a proud paw aunt to a family of Terriers and a Ragdoll-Persian cat. When she isn’t creating meaningful content for Waldo’s Friends, she finds pleasure in chronicling her ice cream discoveries and coming up with meticulously detailed plans for her next getaway. Follow her adventures on Instagram @nicetomitiu.

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