Summary: raw cat food risks highlighted by new research
A new analysis of commercial raw cat foods — including products sold at room temperature and online — raises concerns about health risks to cats and the people who care for them. The study, published in Communications Biology, detected disease-causing microbes, some resistant to antibiotics, in various raw or partially cooked meat products marketed for cats. The findings underscore the potential for live bacteria, viruses, and parasites to be present even when products are frozen or freeze-dried.
Study lead Laura Goodman of Cornell University emphasized that many products lack warnings that meat ingredients may not be fully cooked. This missing information could mean households are unknowingly exposed to harmful pathogens. The research team identified several specific microbes, including salmonella, Cronobacter, and E. coli, across different product forms and packaging—frozen, refrigerated, and freeze-dried.
The pathogens detected and why they matter
Among the microbes found were antibiotic-resistant strains that complicate treatment if transmitted to people. Notable examples include Pseudomonas, which can cause severe lung, blood, or urinary infections; Klebsiella, linked to fever, fatigue, pneumonia, and urinary issues; and Clostridium perfringens, a common cause of gastroenteritis in undercooked poultry. The presence of these bacteria in pet foods is especially worrisome because pathogens can pass from animals to humans, posing higher risk for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
How widespread is the risk?
Researchers tested raw and partially cooked meat sold frozen, refrigerated, or freeze-dried online and in stores. The breadth of products examined suggests that the potential for contamination spans multiple formats and distribution channels. The team noted that freeze-dried products available on shelves may carry particular risk awareness gaps for consumers who assume shelf-stable items are inherently safe.
Implications for households and public health
The study’s implications extend beyond animal health. When pet foods harbor infectious agents, the risk to human handlers during feeding and cleanup increases, particularly for households with infants, elderly family members, pregnant individuals, or immunocompromised members. Even cases of human illness linked to the same products studied have been reported when researchers uploaded results to federal databases, hinting at real-world transmission pathways that public health authorities may need to monitor more closely.
Regulatory context and future policy considerations
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tests for a limited set of bacteria in raw cat foods. The new findings provide a broader spectrum of potential pathogens to consider and may inform future policy decisions and safety standards. Stakeholders in pet food manufacturing, veterinary care, and consumer protection could use this evidence to refine labeling, testing requirements, and risk communication to better protect both pets and people.
Practical guidance for pet owners
Given these findings, pet owners might weigh several precautions. First, review labels carefully for any caveats about cooking or safety warnings. Second, consider alternative feeding options with established safety profiles, particularly for households with vulnerable individuals. Third, practice rigorous hygiene: wash hands after handling raw pet food, sanitize preparation surfaces and utensils, and store food properly to minimize cross-contamination. Lastly, consult a veterinarian about the best feeding approach for a cat’s health and nutritional needs.
Bottom line
While raw cat foods can be appealing for some pet owners, the presence of disease-causing microbes and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a range of products signals meaningful risks to both cats and their human households. Careful consumption decisions, improved labeling, and stronger safety testing may be necessary to reduce exposure and protect family health.
