In the book, “Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook,” Dr. Ian Billinghurst writes that raw egg is a wonderful source of protein for cats as long as it is not cooked or microwaved.
can a cat eat raw egg? In the past, people believed that there was a danger in feeding a cat raw eggs because they contain salmonella. However, only one person out of two thousand who have fed their animals with raw eggs has reported having to make a trip to the veterinarian because of illness.
On the other hand, those who feed their pets commercial food made from poultry experience more health problems than those who give their dogs and cats raw eggs frequently. Also, veterinarians agree that cooking destroys proteins and diminishes some of the nutrients available in raw eggs, therefore your pet will benefit from a raw egg dish.
If you go to the grocery store or a farm and purchase a few fresh eggs, take them home and give one to your cat. To avoid risks of contamination by fecal matter, wash your hands after handling the eggs. Then crack open an egg for your kitty, removing the shell so that no sharp edges remain by either giving it whole or crushing it in small pieces. You can add a little milk or water if desired. The recommendations are only 1-2 times per week because too many raw eggs may result in malnutrition due to undernourishment as well as health problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and obesity.
Because of the risk of contamination with salmonella, you should not give raw eggs to your cat if he or she is under 12 weeks old or has a compromised immune system due to stress or illness. Raw eggs can also cause problems in cats that have diabetes because they lack the enzymes necessary for digesting carbohydrates.