NEW STUDY FINDS DANGEROUS BACTERIA IN COMMERCIAL RAW CAT FOOD
Source: Cornell Chronicle (Extract)
Posted: September 24, 2025
A new study has found that many commercial raw cat foods may pose serious health risks to both pets and their owners.
Researchers detected harmful bacteria—including antibiotic-resistant strains—in products sold frozen, refrigerated, and freeze-dried, according to findings published on September 24 in Communications Biology.
The study identified disease-causing microbes such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Cronobacter, all of which can transfer from cats to humans. Vulnerable groups—including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immuno-compromised individuals—are particularly at risk.
“Most of these products don’t carry warning labels indicating that the meat is raw or undercooked,” said Dr. Laura Goodman, senior author and assistant professor at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Consumers, especially those buying shelf-stable freeze-dried products, likely have no idea they’re taking on such a risk.”
In their analysis, researchers compared raw cat foods with conventionally cooked ones, using both FDA-standard and additional culturing techniques. Among their discoveries:
- Five strains of Salmonella, some genetically similar to strains from human illness cases.
- Antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas, which can cause serious infections.
- Klebsiella, a bacteria linked to pneumonia and UTIs.
- Clostridium perfringens, commonly associated with food poisoning, especially around holidays.
They also uncovered mislabeled ingredients. Some raw products contained meat types (like chicken) not listed on the packaging—an important concern for cat owners avoiding chicken due to allergies or risk of avian flu.
The study’s findings highlight the need for updated regulations, as current FDA testing focuses primarily on human pathogens and covers only a narrow range of bacteria.
Funded by the Cornell Feline Health Center’s Natural Nutrition Award, the study aims to help inform future food safety policies. The Center also offers resources on avian influenza risks for cats.
