By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Raw egg is sometimes promoted for cats as a natural protein boost or a coat conditioner. Eggs are a good source of protein and fat, and cooked egg can be an occasional treat for many cats. Raw egg is a different matter. It can carry Salmonella and other bacteria that make cats, and the people who handle their food, unwell. Raw egg white also contains avidin, a protein that binds the B vitamin biotin. Cooking removes both concerns, which makes the choice simple.
Key takeaways
- Raw eggs can carry Salmonella and other bacteria that can cause illness in cats and people.
- Cats may carry and shed Salmonella without looking sick, putting children, older people and anyone with a weakened immune system at risk.
- Raw egg white contains avidin, which binds biotin. Regular raw egg white could contribute to biotin deficiency and skin or coat problems.
- Cooking eggs destroys bacteria and inactivates avidin.
- Plain, fully cooked egg can be an occasional treat, but it does not replace a complete and balanced cat diet.
- Related: vomiting and diarrhoea in cats, kitten diarrhoea.
The Salmonella problem
Salmonella bacteria can be present on eggshells and, less often, inside eggs. Australia has had outbreaks of egg-associated Salmonella in people, which is why food safety advice recommends cooking eggs thoroughly. In cats, Salmonella infection may cause vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. Kittens, older cats and cats with other illnesses are at greater risk of serious disease.
Many infected cats show no signs at all but shed bacteria in their faeces and saliva. That matters for the household. Litter trays, food bowls and a cat that grooms and then sleeps on the pillow can all spread bacteria. The US Food and Drug Administration and the American Veterinary Medical Association both advise against feeding raw or undercooked animal-source protein, including eggs, to pets because of these risks.
The avidin problem
Raw egg white contains avidin, which binds tightly to biotin (vitamin B7) and stops it being absorbed. Biotin supports healthy skin and coat. An occasional bit of raw egg is unlikely to cause a deficiency, but regularly feeding raw egg whites could, and signs may include dry, flaky skin, hair loss or a poor coat. The yolk contains biotin, but the balance is not reliable. Cooking inactivates avidin.
Other things to consider
- Shells. Shell pieces can be sharp. Avoid feeding shell unless it is part of a properly formulated diet.
- Calories and balance. Eggs are rich. Cats need a complete diet with specific nutrients such as taurine, arachidonic acid and vitamin A. Too many extras unbalance the diet.
- Allergies. Egg is an uncommon but possible food allergen in cats.
- Seasoned egg dishes. Scrambled eggs, omelettes and quiche often include onion, chives, garlic, salt, butter or cheese. Onion and garlic are harmful to cats.
How to share egg more safely
If your vet is happy for your cat to have egg:
- Cook it fully (hard boiled or scrambled without butter, milk or seasoning).
- Cool it and offer a small amount as an occasional treat.
- Wash your hands, bowls and benches after handling raw egg.
- Keep egg treats within your cat's daily treat allowance.
Signs to watch for after raw egg
- Vomiting or diarrhoea, which may contain blood or mucus
- Fever, lethargy or hiding
- Reduced appetite
- Dehydration (tacky gums, sunken eyes)
- Over weeks, dry or flaky skin and a dull coat with regular raw egg white
When it is an emergency
Seek veterinary care urgently if your cat has bloody diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, refuses food for more than 24 hours, seems very flat or weak, or is a kitten or elderly cat with any of these signs. Cats dehydrate quickly. If someone in the household is pregnant, very young, elderly or immunocompromised and your cat is unwell, mention this to your vet and talk to your doctor about hygiene precautions.
How vets diagnose and treat it
Your vet will examine your cat, assess hydration and ask about diet and any raw foods. Depending on the signs, they may recommend faecal testing, blood tests and supportive treatment such as fluids, anti-nausea medicine and a bland diet. Antibiotics are not always appropriate for Salmonella and are used only when your vet judges them necessary. Treatment is tailored to your cat.
Prevention
- Feed a complete and balanced commercial cat food or a vet-formulated diet.
- Do not offer raw egg, raw meat or unpasteurised dairy as treats.
- Practise good hand hygiene after handling raw food and the litter tray.
- Keep egg cartons and cracked shells out of reach.
FAQ
My cat licked some raw egg. Should I worry?
A small lick is unlikely to cause problems. Watch for vomiting or diarrhoea over the next few days and wash surfaces and hands.
Is cooked egg good for cats?
Plain, fully cooked egg can be an occasional treat. It does not replace a complete diet.
Do raw eggs make a cat's coat shiny?
Regular raw egg white may do the opposite by binding biotin. A complete diet and healthy skin are what support a good coat.
Can kittens have egg?
Kittens need a complete kitten food. Ask your vet before adding any extras.
Talk with a vet
If you are thinking about adding fresh foods to your cat's diet, or your cat is unwell after eating something raw, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you weigh the risks. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Get the Facts! Raw Pet Food Diets can be Dangerous to You and Your Pet.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Policy: Raw diets for dogs and cats.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. What should I feed my cat?
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.