More and more cat owners are turning to raw feeding as an alternative to kibble or canned food. The idea is simple: feeding cats food that more closely resembles what their bodies are designed to eat – fresh, animal-based meals rather than highly processed products.
If you’re new to raw feeding cats and ready to start, this guide is for you. It’s normal to have questions at the beginning – whether raw food is truly safe, how much to feed, and whether you need to make meals yourself or can rely on ready-made raw cat food.
This beginner’s guide focuses on the practical “how,” not just the theory. You’ll find the essentials like portion sizes, safety basics, feeding options, and how to transition your cat without stress. Where it makes sense, you’ll also find links to more in-depth articles, so you can explore topics at your own pace. You don’t need to know everything on day one – just enough to get started safely and confidently.
Contents
Why meat-based diets work for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means meat isn’t just something they enjoy – it’s something their bodies depend on. Unlike humans or dogs, cats can’t make certain nutrients on their own or obtain them from plants. Vital nutrients like taurine, vitamin A, and arachidonic acid must come directly from animal tissue.
In the wild, cats meet these needs by hunting. Whole prey provides protein, fat, moisture, vitamins, and minerals in balanced proportions. Raw feeding aims to replicate that nutritional profile in a practical, modern way that works for today’s cat owners.
Many cats thrive when switched to a fresh, meat-based diet. Feeding raw food isn’t just about appearance, it’s about supporting the biology your cat was born with.
If you’re curious about the science behind this, why cats need meat to thrive explains how feline evolution shaped cats as hunters and why animal protein matters so much.
The benefits of feeding cats raw food
So, what do cats actually gain from a raw diet? Many owners notice positive changes over time, particularly once the transition period is complete.
These can include improved coat condition, easier digestion with smaller and less smelly stools, steadier energy levels, and better dental health from chewing meat and bone. The natural moisture in raw food can also support hydration, which is especially important for urinary and kidney health.
Not every cat experiences the same changes, and results aren’t guaranteed. Some cats show noticeable improvements and find relief from chronic digestive issues or food sensitivities, while others simply maintain good health. What these cats have in common is that they’re eating a diet that better matches their natural biology.
We’ve seen the benefits of a raw diet for cats firsthand after more than a decade of raw feeding, including improvements in our own cats’ chronic health conditions.
Is raw food safe for cats?
Safety is usually the biggest concern for beginners – it was for us, and it should be for you too.
Raw meat can carry parasites and bacteria like salmonella or E. coli, which is why many vets are understandably cautious about recommending raw diets. Raw feeding can be done safely, but it isn’t automatically safe just because food is raw.
Like any feeding choice, safe handling is important. Feeding cats raw food safely comes down to a few simple habits: choosing fresh, high-quality meat, freezing when needed, and practicing the same kitchen hygiene you’d use when preparing your own meals.
Some people choose raw feeding methods that reduce handling, especially at the beginning, to make the process feel more manageable.
If safety is your main concern, is it safe to feed cats raw meat walks through real risks, sensible precautions, and what responsible raw feeding actually looks like. You may also find raw feeding myths and facts helpful if you’re sorting through conflicting advice.
How much raw food should you feed?
Portion size is one of the most common beginner questions. Cats don’t eat large portions, but getting the amount right is key to keeping them at a healthy weight.
As a general starting point, most cats do well on about 2–4% of their ideal body weight per day, usually split into two meals. For a 4 kg (9 lb) cat, that’s roughly 80–160 grams (3–5.5 ounces) daily.
Kittens, very active cats, and some seniors may need more. Less active indoor cats often fall toward the lower end of the range. The key is to monitor your cat’s body condition and weight, and adjust portions gradually. Over time, you’ll find that portioning becomes easier and starts to feel more natural.
For raw feeding charts including how to feed kittens and adjustment tips for lifestyle or health needs, see raw feeding guidelines for cats.
How often should you feed raw food?
Most adult cats do well with two meals a day, while some prefer three smaller meals. Kittens need to eat more often to support their growth and energy needs.
For some cats, spreading their food across four or five small meals can also work well. This can be gentler on digestion, help reduce vomiting, and better reflect how cats naturally eat, as long as the total daily amount stays the same..
If your cat has been free-feeding kibble, moving to scheduled meals can feel like a big change at first. This is normal. Feeding raw doesn’t require strict timing – consistency over the day matters far more than sticking to exact schedules.
Different approaches to raw feeding cats
Raw feeding isn’t one-size-fits-all. There’s no single “right” way to do it – most people start with the option that feels manageable for them. This will depend on your lifestyle, your comfort level with raw meat, and most importantly – what your cat is willing to eat.
- Homemade raw: preparing meals from scratch with meat, organs, bone (or safe substitutes), and supplements.
- Commercial raw: pre-made diets from pet food companies, usually sold frozen or freeze-dried.
- Prey model (Frankenprey): feeding a mix of meat, organs, and edible bones in the right ratios to mimic a whole animal diet.
- Whole prey: serving small whole animals like mice, quail, or rabbits. It’s the closest to what cats would eat in the wild, but it isn’t for everyone.
Many cat owners use a mix of approaches – homemade meals most of the time, commercial raw for convenience, or premixes to simplify balancing. A full comparison of these options is covered in raw food diets for cats.
What does a balanced raw meal actually include?
A balanced raw meal is more than just plain meat. Cats need muscle meat for protein and energy, a source of calcium (such as bone or a supplement), and essential nutrients like taurine and certain vitamins.
How this balance is achieved depends on the feeding approach you choose. Commercial raw foods and meal completers are formulated to provide these nutrients for you, while homemade diets require more careful planning to get everything right.
The key point for beginners is simple: feeding plain meat long-term isn’t enough – balance is what keeps a raw diet safe and supportive.
What are meal completers and why use them?
Meal completers are one of the easiest ways for beginners to start raw feeding with confidence.
These powdered supplements are mixed with plain meat to provide essential nutrients like calcium, taurine, and key vitamins. They take the guesswork out of balancing meals and remove the need to manage multiple supplements.
For many people new to raw feeding, meal completers offer a simple and safe starting point. Products such as EZComplete (United States) or Raw Meow Mix (Australia) make raw feeding more approachable without requiring detailed calculations or advanced planning.
How to transition your cat to raw (step-by-step)
Transitioning is often the hardest part – not because raw feeding is complicated, but because cats tend to resist sudden change.
Most cats do best with a gradual transition, starting with small amounts of raw food mixed into familiar meals. Texture, temperature, and smell all play a role, and gentle warming can help make food more appealing.
Some cats switch quickly, while others take weeks or even months. What matters most during the transition isn’t speed, but steady progress that keeps your cat comfortable and eating well.
For detailed guidance and troubleshooting, how to transition cats to raw shows you how to move from free-feeding kibble to wet food, and finally to raw, at a pace that works for your cat.
What’s normal during the first few weeks?
It’s normal for things to feel a little unsettled at first. Many cats go through a short adjustment period as their digestion adapts, which can show up as temporary stool changes, extra interest in food, or some hesitation around meals.
Signs that things are generally on track include a steady appetite, comfortable stools once the initial adjustment has passed, and gradual improvements in coat condition or energy levels. Red flags – such as ongoing diarrhoea, vomiting, or refusing to eat – are signs to slow down or reassess your approach.
If something doesn’t feel right, slowing down or pausing the transition is usually far more helpful than trying to push through it.
How much does raw feeding cost?
The cost of raw feeding cats depends entirely on how you approach it.
Homemade raw diets using supermarket or butcher meat are often more affordable than people expect. Commercial raw diets are more convenient, but usually cost more. Many people find a balance by combining approaches.
Buying in bulk, choosing cost-effective proteins, and planning ahead all help keep costs manageable. Raw feeding doesn’t have to be expensive to be done well.
If budget is a concern, affordable raw feeding for cats shares practical money-saving tips. You can also see real cost breakdowns in how much it costs to feed raw cat food.
Final thoughts
By now, you’ve seen that raw feeding cats isn’t a single recipe or rigid set of rules – it’s a flexible framework that can adapt to your cat’s needs and your lifestyle.
The essentials are simple: meat matters, balance matters, and safety matters. With good hygiene, appropriate supplements, sensible portions, and patience during transition, raw feeding can be a workable option when it’s approached thoughtfully and gradually.
You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Start informed, move slowly, pay attention to your cat, and adjust as you go.
