Risky. Raw egg white contains avidin, which binds biotin and can cause a deficiency over time, and raw eggs can carry Salmonella. Cooked eggs give cats the same protein without these problems, so raw eggs are a caution food best replaced with scrambled or boiled.
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Caution — avidin and Salmonella riskAmount, form, or frequency matters
Can cats eat raw eggs? 🥚
Risky. Raw egg white contains avidin, which binds biotin and can cause a deficiency over time, and raw eggs can carry Salmonella. Cooked eggs give cats the same protein without these problems, so raw eggs are a caution food best replaced with scrambled or boiled.
Source-linked record · Last reviewed July 17, 2026 · Not veterinary advice
Why this answer
Raw egg white contains avidin, a protein that binds biotin (a B vitamin); fed regularly, this can lead to a biotin deficiency that shows up in skin and coat problems. Raw eggs can also carry Salmonella, risking digestive illness for the cat and the household. Cooking denatures avidin and kills bacteria, which is why cooked egg is the safe form.
Watch for
Vomiting or diarrhea from possible Salmonella
Lethargy or fever
With long-term feeding: a dull coat, flaky skin, or hair loss from biotin deficiency
Reduced appetite
How much is okay
None raw; offer fully cooked egg instead, and keep even cooked egg to a small occasional treat of a tablespoon or so.
Serve it safely
Cook eggs fully — scrambled or hard-boiled — before offering any to a cat.
Serve plain, with no butter, salt, oil, or seasoning.
Keep raw eggs and batter containing raw egg out of reach.
Sources and evidence notes (3)
People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Multi-species veterinary toxicology list covering alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, citrus, coconut, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, milk and dairy, nuts, onions, garlic and chives, raw meat and eggs, salty snacks, xylitol, and yeast dough.
Feeding Your Cat
Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Feline nutrition fundamentals: cats are obligate carnivores; complete balanced cat food should be the diet base; treats should stay a small share of daily calories.
Poisons
Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Feline-specific poisoning overview covering common household toxin exposures in cats, clinical signs, and the need for prompt veterinary care.
Answer card
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Type what your cat is eyeing — or already stole — and the answer lands right here, without leaving the page.
Remove access. Take the food away and move your cat to another room.
Note the facts. What was it, roughly how much is missing, and when? Keep the packaging.
Call before symptoms. For chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, alcohol, or anything sugar-free (xylitol), call a hotline or your veterinarian now — early treatment is easier and cheaper.
Never do this
Do not induce vomiting, feed milk, salt, or oil, or wait overnight to "see how it goes". Signs of chocolate or Allium poisoning can take hours to days to appear.
Go to an emergency vet immediately if
Your cat is collapsing, twitching or seizing, struggling to breathe, drooling heavily, vomiting repeatedly, or wobbly on their feet.
Outside the US? Call your local emergency veterinary clinic — keep the number saved in your phone.
Effective: July 17, 2026
Can Cats Eat It? provides general educational information for cat owners. It is not veterinary, diagnostic, treatment, or emergency advice.
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