Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken Hearts?

It is not recommended for cats to eat raw chicken hearts.

Chicken is a type of animal-derived protein that contains essential nutrients needed by cats. In fact, many chicken-flavoured wet and dry cat food are already enjoyed by cats across the globe. But with your veterinarian’s consent and guidance, you can also offer boneless, skinless, and unseasoned cooked chicken to your feline pets. 

Raw chicken, including the heart and other organs, is another matter. Multiple sites do not advise feeding uncooked meat to cats because of the risks that come with it. E. coli, listeria, campylobacter, and salmonella are some examples of foodborne diseases that come from raw or undercooked meat. Aside from these bacteria, parasites such as tapeworms or roundworms may be present in contaminated raw chicken. When exposed to these, even people handling the meat or their pet’s litter box may get infected. 

What to do if your cat accidentally eats raw chicken heart: Observe your cat for changes in her mood, behaviour, as well as eating and elimination habits. Speak with your veterinarian and share your findings. Also, watch for signs of possible infection. These may include vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, fever, lethargy, and diarrhea with blood or mucus. 

In summary: Chicken heart may be an excellent source of taurine, but the organ alone does not provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats. Nevertheless, if you are really determined to serve your cat raw chicken heart, discuss things with your veterinarian and find out how often and how much you can safely give your pet. Some sources recommend limiting servings between two to three hearts per day. 

Aside from chicken, learn which human-grade meat you can share with your pet cat under our “can cats eat” blog category.

References:

Can My Cat Eat That? 30 Foods Cats Can and Can’t Eat

Is Raw Cat Food Good for Cats?

Take Heart, But Not Too Much