Feeding your cat raw food tends to be hazardous for your pet as well as for humans. In some studies, it has been identified that commercially available raw food for pets might contain bacteria which would lead to some illnesses. Harmful bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella were found in about 25% of samples of raw food that could affect humans and pets.
Salmonella is a bacterium that has harmful effects on animals and humans. Symptoms of bacterial infection for humans include digestive upset and fever that begin to manifest after about 12-72 hours of ingestion. However, severe symptoms might manifest in people with lower or compromised immune responses like kids, pregnant women, and senior citizens. Moreover, L. monocytogenes create even more severe conditions that might even result in death from ingesting contaminated food. This bacterium is capable of invading major systems and body organs like the spinal cord, brain, circulatory system, and gastrointestinal tract which would mean that the symptoms manifested will depend entirely on the organ or system affected by the bacteria. Unfortunately, felines that contract L. monocytogenes do not always show symptoms which makes them a reservoir of bacteria.
If you have more questions or concerns regarding your pet’s health and nutrition, consult your veterinarian Portland, OR.
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