Can Cats Eat Raw Lamb?

It is not recommended for cats to eat raw lamb.

Derived from sheep less than a year old, lamb is usually more expensive than chicken, beef, and pork. This type of meat contains nutrients that cats need such as protein, niacin, iron, zinc, and vitamins B2 and B12. However, lamb is best served in limited quantities because of its cholesterol and fat content. 

Plainly cooked lamb can be enjoyed by your cat once in a while. When fed to your cat regularly, it may cause weight gain and feline obesity. Raw lamb, on the other hand, should not be consumed by your cat. Similar to other raw meat options, raw lamb may carry pathogens and parasites that may harm your cat. Salmonella, listeria, campylobacter, E. coli, and toxoplasma gondii are just some of the microorganisms that can lurk in raw food. 

People who live with cats that eat contaminated raw food can also get sick. This can happen when they accidentally come into contact with the microorganisms through the handling of meat and their pet’s feces.

What to do if your cat accidentally eats raw lamb: Speak with your veterinarian to let him know how much your cat ate. Also, inform him if your cat ate raw lamb seasoned with salt, onion, garlic, chives, or other herbs and spices as these may cause other signs to manifest. 

Common food poisoning symptoms include vomiting, twitching and fitting, shock or collapse, diarrhea, salivation, skin inflammation or swelling, difficulty in breathing, depression or coma, and changes in drinking, eating, and urinating.

In summary: Err on the side of caution. Do not give your cat raw lamb unless recommended or approved by your veterinarian. Make sure to follow the protocols in buying and handling raw meat. That way, you decrease the chances of your cat and your home being exposed to harmful bacteria and parasites. 

Aside from lamb, learn which other meat, seafood, fruit, and vegetable options you can safely feed your cat under our blog’s “can cats eat” category.

References:

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

What Kinds of Meats Can Cats Eat?

Is Raw Cat Food Good for Cats?

Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat

Poisoning in Cats