Can Cats Eat Raw Eggs?

No, cats shouldn’t have raw eggs. While a small lick may not always cause a serious problem, raw eggs still come with risks that make them a poor choice for cats. 

If you want to share egg, stick with fully cooked egg in small amounts or choose a protein-packed cat treat instead. 

The biggest concern with raw eggs is bacteria, but there are some other downsides too. 

Here are some of the main risks: 

• Bacteria: Raw eggs can carry salmonella and E. coli, which can make cats (and people in the household) sick. If a cat becomes infected, they may develop vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or low energy. Even cats that don’t seem sick can sometimes spread the bacteria around the home through their saliva or stool.  
• Digestive upset: Even if bacteria isn’t involved, raw eggs, like any unusual food, can still be tough on some cats’ stomachs. Cats who don’t tolerate them well may end up with vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or a decreased appetite. 
• Vitamin absorption issues: Raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which can interfere with the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin that helps support healthy skin, coat, and nails. This is mainly a concern with repeated or long-term raw egg consumption, but it’s worth noting. 
• Higher-risk cats: Cats with weaker immune systems—including kittens, senior cats, and cats with conditions like feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), diabetes, cancer, or chronic kidney disease—may be especially vulnerable to foodborne illness.   
• Bird flu risk: Raw eggs may also carry a small risk of transmitting bird flu if they come from infected poultry, which is another reason veterinarians recommend sticking with cooked eggs.  

If your cat ate raw eggs, what happens next depends on how much they ate and how they feel afterward. 

Watch for signs such as: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Low appetite 
• Belly discomfort 
• Tiredness or not acting like themselves 

Call your veterinarian if symptoms don’t go away within 24 hours or: 

• Your cat ate a lot of raw egg (more than one). 
• Your cat has a health condition, like FIV or FeLV, that makes them more susceptible to illness. 
• Your cat has severe vomiting or diarrhea. 

If you want to share egg with your cat, skip the raw version and: 

• Fully cook the egg first. 
• Keep it plain, with no butter, oil, salt, or seasoning. 
• Offer only a small bite or two. 
• Stop if your cat shows any sign of stomach upset. 

A typical, healthy adult cat can have 1–2 teaspoons of plain, scrambled egg a few times a week. 

Make sure all treats, including eggs, aren’t contributing more than 10% of calories to your cat’s daily diet, though. The remaining 90% should come from a complete and balanced cat food. 

Are raw eggs bad for cats? 

Yes, raw eggs are bad for cats. They can carry harmful bacteria and make your cat sick. They’re especially risky for cats who have a weakened immune system. 

Can cats eat raw egg whites? 

No, cats shouldn’t eat raw egg whites. Raw egg whites come with the same bacteria risk as the rest of a raw egg and can still upset your cat’s stomach. Plus, eating too many raw egg whites can lead to biotin deficiency. 

Can kittens eat raw eggs? 

No, kittens shouldn’t eat raw eggs. Young kittens have immature immune and digestive systems, which can make them more vulnerable to foodborne bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. Plus, growing kittens should get their nutrition from a complete kitten food that’s made to support healthy development.