Raw feeding is one of the most passionately debated topics in the cat breeding community. Some breeders swear by it. Others — including many veterinary nutritionists — have serious concerns. I'm going to give you my honest, experience-based perspective: I don't raw feed my cats, but I understand why some breeders do, and I respect the choice when done safely.
Potential Benefits
Biologically appropriate: Cats are obligate carnivores. Raw meat-based diets more closely resemble what wild cats eat. Proponents report improved coat quality, smaller/less odorous stools, more muscle mass, and better dental health.
Ingredient control: You know exactly what's in the food — no mystery ingredients, no filler carbohydrates, no artificial preservatives.
Hydration: Raw diets are approximately 70% moisture, much closer to natural prey than kibble (10% moisture). Better hydration supports kidney health — particularly important for cats.
Significant Risks
| Risk | Severity | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli) | High — affects cat AND humans in household | Strict hygiene protocols; higher risk with children/immunocompromised |
| Nutritional imbalance | High — homemade diets are frequently deficient | Use a veterinary nutritionist-formulated recipe; supplement correctly |
| Bone fragments | Moderate — dental fractures, intestinal obstruction | Grind bones or use bone meal supplements |
| Parasites (Toxoplasma, Trichinella) | Moderate | Freeze meat for 3+ weeks before feeding; source from reputable suppliers |
What I Actually Feed My Cats
I feed a high-quality commercial diet — a combination of premium canned food (high protein, low carbohydrate) and a limited amount of quality kibble for dental benefits. My reasoning: the risk-benefit calculation for a multi-cat breeding cattery with kittens doesn't favor raw. The bacterial contamination risk to vulnerable kittens is something I'm not willing to accept.
I don't judge breeders who raw feed responsibly. If you want to raw feed your Maine Coon, work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN) to formulate a balanced recipe. Don't wing it with internet recipes. Nutritional deficiencies in cats — particularly taurine deficiency — can cause heart failure and blindness.
The Compromise: Commercial Raw
If raw feeding appeals to you but the safety logistics are intimidating, commercial raw diets (Primal, Stella & Chewy's, Darwin's) are pre-formulated, tested for pathogens, and nutritionally balanced. They're significantly more expensive than kibble but eliminate the nutritional guesswork of homemade raw. This is the option I recommend if families are determined to go raw.
I don't raw feed, and I don't require my families to follow any specific diet. I recommend high-protein, low-carbohydrate commercial diets. But if you choose raw, do it right — with a veterinary nutritionist, proper hygiene, and quality sourcing. Your cat's health is not the place to cut corners.