Many people praise raw eggs as an important supplement to raw cat food because they are rich in protein. They may also think that boiled eggs denaturate proteins, reducing their availability to the cat's body and digestive system. One of the pro...
Many people praise raw eggs as an important supplement to raw cat food because they are rich in protein. They may also think that boiled eggs denaturate proteins, reducing their availability to the cat's body and digestive system.
One of the proteins called avidin can actually be harmful when ingested in their original form. This is because the original form of avidin is closely bound to vitamin B7, also known as biotin 2. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it is not stored in the body like a fat-soluble vitamin. Cats use biotin for protein and fat metabolism. It is also used in cats' adrenal glands, thyroid glands, nervous system, as well as their skin, fur and nails. Cats who feed raw eggs regularly for a long period of time may start showing signs of biotin deficiency3, which may include worn hair, skin damage and hair loss, especially the face and legs, decreased appetite and diarrhea4. Boiling eggs will denature the avidin in the egg whites. This means it is unlikely to cause a biotin deficiency, as denatured avidin cannot easily bind to biotin. Another risk associated with feeding eggs is bacterial contamination. Feeding your cat raw eggs puts them at risk of ingesting live cultures of Salmonella and/or E. coli that may contaminate the eggs. Both of these bacteria will cause your cat to become very ill. Salmonella and E. coliosis in cats can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, anorexia and weight loss, fever, drowsiness, dehydration, abnormal tachycardia (accelerated heartbeat), and enlarged lymph nodes. If left untreated, they can all lead to life-threatening diseases called sepsis. Literally, sepsis is an infection in cats' blood and requires immediate medical attention. Salmonella and E. coli in raw eggs are not just a problem for your cat. You may also be at risk for salmonella and/or E. coliosis, whether you are handling raw eggs yourself or infecting it from your cat.
Of course, Salmonella and E. coli are also problems with raw food. However, there are some commercial raw foods that go through a process called high pressure pasteurization that successfully kills any bacteria in the food without cooking. If you are considering feeding your cat raw food, then this is something you must keep in mind when choosing whether to eat homemade raw food or commercial raw food.
Health benefits of eggs for cats
Raw eggs are not safe for cats, but this does not mean that cats cannot eat them. The protein and amino acids in eggs can actually make them a healthy snack option for some cats. Cats are strict carnivores and require animal protein in their diet, while eggs are considered nutritionally complete in terms of protein.
The hazards of eggs to cats
In addition to the danger of raw eggs, there are some precautions before feeding the cooked eggs to the cat. Although white is rich in protein, egg yolks contain more fat. This not only makes cats prone to obesity, but also puts cats at risk of pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Diabetic cats may be particularly susceptible to pancreatitis. Shells can be a source of calcium, but pay attention to the preparation method to avoid irritating the cat's oral or gastrointestinal lining.
In addition, if your cat is otherwise healthy and adopts a commercial diet, whether it is raw or traditional, there is no need for calcium supplementation. Excessive calcium can be harmful to all cats' organ systems, especially to cats' kidneys, nervous systems and cardiovascular systems.
How to feed your cat eggs
If you want your cat to eat eggs, the safest way is to cook it or stir-fry it without salt or seasoning. If your cat is prone to gastrointestinal discomfort or pancreatitis, just feed egg whites. This will help minimize the intake of extra fat that may aggravate the cat's gastrointestinal tract. Remember that any dietary changes or new treatments can lead to diarrhea or stomach upset. If you do feed your cat the cooked egg yolk portion, then only the right amount. A whole egg contains a large portion of the daily calories required by cats, so cats should occasionally feed some eggs.
