Why?
Raw eggs can contain salmonella, bacteria that can make your cat sick and that your cat can then pass to people in the household. Raw egg white also contains avidin, a protein that binds to biotin (vitamin B7) and keeps it from being absorbed. One egg won't cause a deficiency, but making it a habit can lead to skin and coat problems. Cooking solves both issues.
How much?
Avoid it, even in a homemade raw diet or mixed into wet food. If you want to give your cat egg, cook it all the way through, hard-boiled or scrambled with no fat.
The risks
- Salmonella: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy
- Bacteria passed on to people in the home
- Biotin deficiency if frequent: dry skin, dull coat
- Raw batters with egg: sugar, sometimes chocolate
Your cat ate some: what now?
A little raw egg licked by accident usually isn't an emergency. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, fever or tiredness over the next few days, and call your vet if they appear, especially in a kitten, a senior or a cat with health issues. Wash your hands well and clean the bowl.
Better options
Cooked egg, hard-boiled or plain scrambled, gives the same protein without the risks. Plain cooked chicken or fish are other good choices.
Common questions
Can cats eat raw egg yolk?
The yolk doesn't contain avidin, but it can still carry salmonella. It's safer to cook it too.
Will raw egg make my cat's coat shiny?
That's a popular belief, but cooked egg offers the same protein and fats without the salmonella risk. Over time, raw egg white can actually cause a biotin deficiency that dulls the coat.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.