A recent study has revealed the presence of disease-causing pathogens in various commercial raw cat foods, heightening health risks for both pets and their owners. The research, published on September 24, 2023, in the journal *Communications Biology*, identified harmful microbes such as Salmonella, Cronobacter, and E. coli in products that include raw or partially cooked meats sold in frozen, refrigerated, and freeze-dried forms.
The pathogens discovered in these foods can transfer between pets and humans, posing particular risks to vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. Dr. Laura Goodman, an assistant professor in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health at Cornell University, emphasized the lack of warning labels on many of these products. “Most of these products have no warning labels on them showing that the meat ingredients are not fully cooked,” she stated, indicating that they could harbor live bacteria as well as potential viruses and parasites that could lead to serious illness.
The study was co-authored by Guillaume Reboul, a former postdoctoral researcher in Goodman’s lab. It highlights the limited regulatory oversight by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which currently focuses its testing on a narrow range of bacteria primarily related to human health. The findings suggest a need for expanded regulations to address the broader spectrum of pathogens detected in raw cat foods.
Research Findings and Implications
The research team purchased a variety of raw and conventionally cooked cat foods to compare their microbial communities. They employed methods similar to those used by the FDA in their bacterial testing. Notably, the researchers identified five strains of Salmonella in the raw food samples, which were subsequently uploaded to a federal database for tracking human cases of salmonellosis. “There were indeed some human cases that were genetically very similar to our isolates,” Goodman explained, indicating a potential link between the products studied and reported illnesses.
In addition to Salmonella, the study uncovered antibiotic-resistant strains of Pseudomonas, a bacteria known to cause severe infections, along with Klebsiella, which can lead to pneumonia and urinary tract infections. The team also found Clostridium perfringens, a bacteria associated with gastroenteritis, significantly present in freeze-dried cat treats and coated kibble.
The researchers conducted mitochondrial DNA fingerprinting on the ingredients of raw cat foods, revealing discrepancies between product labels and actual contents. Goodman noted, “We did find some discrepancies in the labelling across all formulations, not just the raw food,” pointing out instances where chicken was included in products despite being absent from the label. This inconsistency raises concerns, especially for cat owners who may avoid chicken due to its association with avian influenza, which can be deadly for cats.
Health Risks and Consumer Awareness
The findings are particularly alarming in light of a recent fatality linked to raw cat food reported in California. This incident underscores the potential dangers posed by contaminated products. The project received funding from the Cornell Feline Health Center Natural Nutrition Award, which aims to enhance the understanding of feline nutrition and health.
As consumers increasingly turn to raw diets for their pets, the lack of adequate safety measures and transparent labeling raises critical questions about the health implications of these products. The Cornell Feline Health Center has made resources available for cat owners on avian influenza, further emphasizing the need for awareness regarding the risks associated with raw cat food.
In light of this research, it is essential for both pet owners and regulatory bodies to consider the potential health implications tied to the consumption of raw cat foods. Enhanced regulations and consumer education could play a pivotal role in mitigating these risks and ensuring the safety of pets and their owners alike.
