Cat Nutrition with Professor Daisy!

It is time to think about nutrition with Professor Daisy! Try to guess the correct answer to this question:

Is it safe to feed raw eggs to cats?
A. Yes
B. No
C. I would rather have a cheese omelette!
D. This is a trick question

The correct answer is D, because this is a controversial subject. Raw eggs are a good source of high-quality protein. But raw egg whites contain a glycoprotein called avidin which binds to the B-vitamin biotin in the yolk, decreasing its absorption. Some are also concerned that raw eggs may contain Salmonella. But many cats who eat raw foods also eat raw eggs; some even eat the shell!

You can find lots of information about the pros and cons of eating raw eggs in books and on the internet, and here is a link to some information from Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. Your mom or dad will have to make their own decisions about whether you can eat raw eggs or not. I personally love them! Here is what my Mommeh has decided for me:

• I get no more than 1/2 an egg a week (Harley gets the other half)
• We only buy organic eggs, and always keep them refrigerated
  
• The egg white is lightly cooked, with the raw yolk poured on top
  
• Any uneaten egg is removed within 15 minutes

Even though I am a nutty professor, I am not a veterinarian. So you should discuss any questions or concerns about feline nutrition with your vet!

Cat Nutrition with Professor Daisy!