Since cats are carnivores, shouldn’t exotic meat like bison be considered food? This discussion opens the door to the complexities of cat diets that include bison or not, drawing from scientific facts and practical information from life.
The Carnivore’s Dilemma: Meat Isn’t Just Meat
Cats are obligate carnivores that need animal protein to survive. Not all meats, however, are created equal. Whereas domesticated cats evolved feeding on small prey such as mice and birds, today’s pet diets commonly include chicken, turkey, or fish. We are seeing the rise of bison-another red meat-in gourmet pet foods and raw diets as a nice lean source of nutrition. Is that a good thing for your cat?
Pros of Bison-Meat-Benefits
- A very good source of protein. With about 25 g protein per 3 oz serving, bison is an excellent protein source important in maintaining muscle mass and energy. For cats that are allergic to typical proteins such as chicken, bison may be a novel source.
- Low in fat, Packed with nutrients. Bison has less saturated fat than beef but is loaded with iron, zinc, and B vitamins—which all support immune health, proper skin function, and glossy coats.
- Ethical and Environmentally Friendly. The bison are typically grass-fed and raised on far fewer antibiotics than conventional livestock, appealing to the environmentally conscientious.
The Hidden Risks
But before you go ahead and feed a piece of bison to your cat, you may want to think again.
- Raw Meat Risks: Raw bison meat like any other uncooked meat may contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli that can lay their thick sickness on cats as well as humans. An even the toughest of cats can act as carriers risking the life of the immunocompromised members of that family.
- Sabotaging Ingredients: Human-prepared bison (such as smoked bison jerky and bison burgers) may contain garlic, onions, salts, or spices- all of which are toxigenic to cats. Just a hint of onion powder can create havoc with a cat’s red blood cells.
- Nutritional Imbalance: Bison in itself lacks the perfect balance of all the other nutrients required by the feline, i.e., of taurine, calcium, and whatnot. Dr. Sarah Wallace, a veterinarian, cautions, “long-term feeding of unfortified meat or just raw meat can cause heart disease or blindness.”
- Allergies and Sensitivities: Although rare, some cats may have developed allergic reactions to completely new proteins such as bison. Symptoms include itching, vomiting, or diarrhea.
The Verdict
In moderation and with proper preparation, plain and cooked bison can be an occasional treat. Think of it as a gourmet kitten treat not to be used as a meal replacement. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook it well: Boil or bake unseasoned bison to kill any pathogenic organisms. Do not use oil or spices.
- Cutting Small: Keep the size small so they do not choke on big pieces of meat.
- Treat, not Diet: Ensure that bison remains a treat and take it as only 10% of your cat’s daily calories. The rest should be healthy commercial cat food.
The Big Picture: Who Cares to Know?
The question, “Can cats eat bison?” is indicative of a burgeoning trend of humanizing pet food. From organic bison to artisanal salmon, we all want our cats to share in our foodie adventures. But cats are not just little humans; they have uniquely defined dietary requirements upheld through thousands of years of evolution.
So says holistic vet Dr. Angela Lin: “Cats thrive on consistency. Introducing exotic proteins should be done thoughtfully, not as a whim.”
Options for Adventuresome Cats
If you are inclined to diversify your cat’s protein sources for safety:
- Start with Commercial Bison Cat Food: Some brands like Stella & Chewy’s or Instinct produce complete and balanced freeze-dried or precooked bison meals with added taurine.
- Talk to Your Vet: Issues like allergies or other health issues should be ruled out before you start experimenting.
- Stick to Known Causes: Rabbit, duck, or venison are better options when you’re dealing with more sensitive cats.
Conclusion: Respect the Feline Palate
Sharing a bite of bison may make us feel as if we are bonding, but cats are not into variety the same way we are. Their gastronomic “pleasure” is contained in nutrients that keep them healthy, not in workably mainstream superfoods.
So if you decide to offer bison, do it out of love, not expectation. Be conscious of your cat’s reaction: a contented purr vs. a disapproving nose will tell you everything. After all, our feline pals are the best critics, as any cat owner would agree.
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