Expert: Jessica - 8/12/2009

Question
I hear raw eggs make cats coats very healthy and shiny. I was wondering if it would be safe to feed her raw eggs?
she is 4 months old. I am feeding her wellness and felidae soon natures variety. I want to feed her raw eggs will it be ok? thank you

Answer
Hi Mike.  This remains a controversial subject.  More and more, however, veterinary nutritionists are agreeing that feeding cats raw meats is healthy and safe when done properly.  I happen to have agreed with this for a long time.  Cats have been carnivores surviving on raw meats for all of their existence!  It is proven that cats are exceptionally resistant to e. coli and salmonella, as they have enzymes in their stomachs that quickly kill these germs.  Hence, they do not tend to suffer clinical illness from these germs or pass the germs in their feces, either, as some other animals can.

There are a couple of things to be cautious of, however.  Some cats who have suppressed immune systems may be less resistant against salmonella or e. coli if they come in contact with contaminated meats.  This means that you should use caution raw feeding cats who have been diagnosed with the feline leukemia or feline AIDS viruses.  If you’re not sure of your kitten’s status with these diseases, she can have a quick blood test at your vet’s office.  

Also, be sure never to feed eggs that have been left unrefrigerated for any amount of time.  Refrigeration robs salmonella of warmth and moisture, the two things it needs to flourish.  So eggs that are properly refrigerated are of very little risk for passing on any salmonella.  Discard of any uneaten portion of egg within 15 minutes.

The final concern is that it may be possible for cats to shed small amounts of salmonella through nasal secretions if they eat infected eggs.  This could potentially pose a health risk to you if you then had indirect (or, somehow, direct) mouth contact with nasal secretions.  For this reason, you may want to avoid feeding any raw eggs if your kitty has a cold.

Overall, any high-quality source of protein will help get your kitty a nice, shiny coat, so if you felt more comfortable feeding her a couple ounces of cooked chicken each day, you could also do that.  Eggs are just especially good for their higher Omega 6 content.