Food safety
Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs? No — Cook Them First
No, cats should not eat raw eggs. Raw egg can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can make cats and the people who handle them sick, and raw egg white contains avidin, an enzyme that interferes with how the body absorbs biotin. The ASPCA warns about both. Cooking solves the problem: a little plain scrambled or hard-boiled egg, with no butter, salt or onion, is a safe and protein-rich treat for most cats.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read2 sources
Why raw eggs are risky for cats
Eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella, inside the shell as well as on it. The ASPCA notes that raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans alike. Cats may get sick, or carry the bacteria and shed them in their stool without looking ill.
Cornell's Feline Health Center makes the same point about raw diets in general: they may contain bacteria and parasites that can infect cats and their owners, without any clear health benefit. Households with young children, older adults or anyone with a weakened immune system have extra reason to keep raw egg away from the cat bowl.
The avidin problem
Raw egg white contains avidin, which binds biotin, one of the B vitamins, and stops it being absorbed. The ASPCA notes that this can lead to skin and coat problems. A single lick is not going to cause a deficiency, but regular raw egg in a cat's diet is a poor idea.
Heat changes avidin so it no longer binds biotin, which is one more reason cooked egg is the version to share. The yolk itself is rich in biotin, so a whole cooked egg in tiny amounts does not carry this risk at all.
My cat ate raw egg: what to do
If your cat licked a little raw egg off a bowl or the floor, you do not need to do anything dramatic. Clean the area, wash your hands and the cat's bowls, and watch for vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy over the next three days.
Call your vet if your cat develops a fever, refuses food, has diarrhea for more than a day or seems unusually tired. Mention the raw egg, because it helps the vet decide whether to test for bacteria. Call sooner for kittens, seniors and cats with other illnesses.
How to serve egg safely, and how much
Cook the egg fully, with the white and yolk firm. Scrambled in a dry nonstick pan or hard-boiled and chopped works best. Leave out butter, oil, milk, salt, pepper, cheese, onion and garlic, and let it cool before serving.
A teaspoon or two of cooked egg is a treat-sized portion for an average adult cat, offered once or twice a week. Cornell advises keeping treats to no more than 10 to 15 percent of daily calories, and egg is rich, so a whole egg is far too much for one cat in one sitting.
Many cats do better with small, slow portions, and a puzzle feeder or a slow feeder bowl helps with both.
Kittens and raw eggs
Kittens have immature immune systems, so bacteria such as Salmonella are more likely to make them seriously ill, and a kitten with diarrhea can become dehydrated within hours. Raw egg should never be given to a kitten, including mixed into homemade formula.
Once a kitten is eating solid food well, a fingertip-sized taste of fully cooked egg is fine as an occasional extra. Orphaned kittens need a commercial kitten milk replacer and guidance from a vet, not a homemade recipe with raw egg.
Signs of illness and when to call a vet
Salmonella and E. coli infections typically show up within one to three days. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea that may contain mucus or blood, fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. Some cats show only mild, short-lived signs, while others become very unwell.
See a vet the same day for bloody diarrhea, repeated vomiting, refusing food for more than 24 hours, weakness or a cat that hides and will not come out. If your cat is sick and you handled raw egg or its litter box, wash your hands well and mention it to your own doctor if you feel unwell.
Safer ways to give your cat a protein treat
Cooked egg, plain cooked chicken or turkey breast, and plain cooked fish give your cat the animal protein it needs without the bacterial risk. Commercial freeze-dried meat treats are another convenient option.
If you are interested in feeding raw, talk to your vet first about the risks. A commercial complete diet made for cats is the simplest way to cover every nutrient a cat needs.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can cats eat raw egg yolk?
It is still not recommended. The yolk does not contain avidin, but it can carry Salmonella just as the white can. Cook the yolk fully and serve a small amount if you want to share it.
Can cats eat cooked eggs?
Yes. Fully cooked egg, scrambled or hard-boiled, with no butter, salt or seasoning, is a safe, protein-rich treat for most cats. Offer a teaspoon or two once or twice a week.
Are raw eggs good for a cat's coat?
No. Raw egg white can actually interfere with biotin absorption, which the ASPCA links to skin and coat problems. A shiny coat comes from a complete diet, and a dull coat is worth showing your vet.
Can cats eat eggshells?
Raw shells can carry Salmonella and sharp pieces may irritate the mouth or gut, so do not give them. Calcium for cats should come from a complete cat food, not from homemade supplements.
What if my cat ate a whole raw egg?
Clean up, wash your hands and watch your cat closely for the next few days. Call your vet if vomiting, diarrhea, fever or lethargy appear, or right away if your cat is a kitten or has other health problems.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
