Can Cats Eat Pork? A Safe Raw Feeding Guide for Cat Owners

If you’re a raw feeder, you’ve probably asked yourself: Can cats eat pork safely? While pork can be a nutritious addition to your cat’s diet, it also carries some potential risks that are important to understand. 

Knowing how to choose the right cuts of meat, introduce pork safely and when to avoid it, ensures your cat gets the best nutrition without unnecessary health risks. In this article, we’ll explore the nutritional benefits, potential concerns, and tips for safely including pork in your cat’s raw food rotation.

Is pork good for cats?

Pork isn’t as commonly used in raw food diets as chicken or beef, but it’s surprisingly rich in nutrients that support feline health. Whether your cat is a picky eater, has food sensitivities, or you simply want to include a greater variety of protein sources, pork could be a beneficial addition.

Key nutrients in pork meat

Pork offers several vital nutrients to support your cat’s health

• Taurine – Critical for heart function, vision, and a strong immune system. Cats must consume taurine daily, and pork delivers this crucial amino acid in beneficial amounts.
• Vitamin B6 and B12 – These essential B vitamins help convert food into energy, support nerve function, and promote red blood cell production. 
• Thiamine (B1) – Important for carbohydrate metabolism and brain health. A deficiency in thiamine can lead to neurological issues.
• Iron – Pork contains heme iron, the most bioavailable form for cats which helps transport oxygen and prevents anaemia.
• Zinc – This mineral supports immune response, wound healing, and skin health.
• Phosphorus – Vital for strong bones and teeth, and easily absorbed from pork.

Quality protein cats can digest

Pork is a complete, high-quality protein that contains all the essential amino acids cats need as obligate carnivores. Its excellent digestibility also makes it a suitable option for cats with sensitivities to more commonly available meats such as chicken.

Why pork can be a better choice for some cats:

• Easier to digest – Lean pork can be gentler on the stomach than chicken or beef.
• Novel protein option – For cats allergic to chicken or beef or those on elimination diets, pork can be an ideal novel protein source that is less likely to trigger an immune response.
• Balanced fat levels – While some cuts are higher in fat, choosing lean portions keeps the fat content manageable, supporting healthy metabolism.

To maintain a balanced raw diet, pork should be included as part of a protein rotation – not served as a daily staple. Aim to feed pork 1–2 times per week, alternating with other proteins like chicken, beef or rabbit to ensure variety and complete nutrition.

Potential risks for cats that eat pork

Despite its benefits, feeding pork, especially raw pork, comes with a few safety considerations that every cat parent should keep in mind.

Dangers of raw or undercooked pork

Raw pork can carry parasites and harmful bacteria that may impact your cat’s health:

• Trichinella spiralis (Trichina worms) – Can cause muscle pain, fever, and digestive upset.
• Roundworms and tapeworms – Lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
• Bacteria like E. coli, salmonella, and listeria – Can result in severe gastrointestinal illness, fever and even life-threatening infections.

Safety Tip: Freezing pork at -20°C (-4°F) for at least three weeks can reduce the risk of parasites like Trichinella. However, this doesn’t eliminate bacteria – so sourcing pork from reputable suppliers is critical.

Fat and salt content: what you need to watch

Fat content in pork varies widely depending on the cut. High-fat portions can lead to:

• Pancreatitis – A painful and sometimes life-threatening inflammatory condition triggered by fatty meals.
• Obesity and diabetes – Cats on high-fat diets are more likely to become overweight, increasing their risk of diabetes and joint issues.
• Salt toxicity – Processed pork (like bacon, ham, and sausages) contains high sodium levels, which can stress the kidneys and cause dehydration.

How to avoid these issues:

• Choose high-quality, lean cuts such as pork loin, tenderloin, and centre-cut chops.
• Trim off visible fat before feeding.
• Never feed processed meats – no bacon, ham, sausages, or anything smoked, cured, or seasoned.

Bone safety: what you need to know

• Cooked bones splinter easily, posing a serious choking hazard or causing internal injuries.
• Raw bones, if too large or swallowed whole, can cause blockages or damage the digestive tract.
• Bone fragments may become lodged in the mouth, throat, or intestines.

A safer alternative is to offer chicken wing tips or freeze-dried raw treats, ensuring they are appropriately sized and safe for chewing. Always supervise your cat while they enjoy these to prevent choking or digestive issues.

Could your cat be allergic to pork?

While pork is a novel protein for many cats, food intolerances or allergies are still possible. Watch for symptoms such as:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea (soft stools) after cats eat pork
• Excessive scratching, skin rashes, or swollen paws
• Chronic ear infections or red, inflamed ears.

If any of these signs occur, stop feeding pork immediately and consult your vet.

When to avoid feeding pork

Even when handled and prepared correctly, pork isn’t suitable for every cat. Cats prone to pancreatitis may find even lean pork too rich for their sensitive digestive systems. Similarly, obese or less active cats might struggle with pork’s calorie density, making weight management more difficult. If your cat has known food allergies, discontinue pork if any symptoms appear, such as itching, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

Cats with digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may not tolerate pork well, and those with kidney disease or heart conditions should never be fed processed pork, due to its dangerously high sodium content. Always consult your vet before introducing new proteins, especially if your cat has any underlying health concerns.

Final thoughts

Yes, cats can eat pork – when it’s carefully sourced, properly prepared, and served in moderation. Pork is a highly digestible, complete protein that provides essential nutrients like taurine, B vitamins, iron, zinc, and phosphorus, all of which support a cat’s overall health. Lean cuts of pork can be a valuable addition to a raw feeding rotation, especially for cats with allergies to more common proteins like chicken or beef. When included once or twice a week and as part of a varied and balanced raw diet, pork can be a safe and nutritious protein source for many cats.

However, not all pork is safe. Processed pork like bacon, ham, sausages, and anything smoked, cured, or seasoned, contains excessive sodium and preservatives and should be avoided. Fatty cuts can also be difficult to digest, increasing the risk of pancreatitis and weight gain. Choosing lean, high-quality pork and preparing it properly ensures your cat gets the benefits without unnecessary risks.