Feeding Your Cat a Raw Diet: The Maine Coon Mayo Guide

TL;DR (for the busy cat parent)

• Cats are obligate carnivores: they thrive on high protein and fat, minimal carbs.

• Key must-haves from animal foods: taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid (AA), preformed vitamin A, niacin, and a good balance of calcium & phosphorus (from edible bone).

• Kittens need more energy and DHA/EPA for brain and eye development—feed little and often.

• Dry food is convenient but can be carb-heavy and low in moisture. Raw offers species-appropriate nutrition with naturally high moisture.

• Start slow: transition over 7–14 days, keep meals sanitary, and monitor stool, weight, and energy.

• Canadian brands we use: Carnivora, Back2Raw, Courtlyn Custom, SMACK (dehydrated raw).

• Start your kitten with 1/4 cup portion in the morning and adjust from there.

Why Raw Fits a Cat’s Biology

Wild or domestic, a cat’s digestive system is designed for prey. That means:

• High animal protein & fat, almost no starch.

• Preformed vitamin A (cats can’t efficiently convert it from plants).

• Arachidonic acid (AA) from animal fat (cats don’t make it well themselves).

• Taurine & arginine from muscle and organs (vital for heart, vision, detox pathways, immunity).

• Niacin (B3) and other B-vitamins naturally abundant in meats and organs.

When you feed varied meats, organs, and edible bone, you’re mirroring what nature intended—no synthetic “fill-ins” required.

The Trouble With Typical Kibble

Kibble can be useful in a pinch, but it’s fundamentally different from prey:

• Higher carbohydrates: Some formulas push carb loads far above what cats would naturally eat.

• Lower moisture: Cats on dry diets often drink more, yet still take in less water overall than raw-fed cats.

• Dental myths: Most cats don’t chew kibble long enough for meaningful abrasion; raw meaty bones offer actual mechanical cleaning.

None of this means “never feed kibble”—it means know the trade-offs and choose what supports your cat’s long-term health.

Fats That Build Brains (Especially for Kittens)

Growing kittens undergo rapid brain and retina development. Prioritize:

• DHA & EPA (omega-3s) from animal sources (e.g., oily fish, pastured meats).

• Arachidonic acid (omega-6) from animal fat for healthy skin, clotting, and reproductive/GI function.

  
  

  Aim for naturally balanced fats from quality animal sources; avoid long-stored, oxidized fats.

Vitamins & Minerals—From Food, Not Fortification

A well-constructed raw plan covers the essentials:

• Calcium & Phosphorus: Provide through edible bone (e.g., poultry necks/backs ground in) to balance meat’s natural phosphorus.

• Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Iodine: Present across meats and especially organs (liver, kidney, spleen, heart).

• Vitamin D: Cats don’t synthesize enough from sunlight. Animal foods (esp. liver) provide it in tiny but crucial amounts.

• Antioxidants: Beyond vitamins C/E, meats contain carnosine, glutathione, CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, CLA—nature’s built-in defenders.

Note: Liver is powerful—wonderful in small amounts. Generally keep liver around 5% of total weekly intake.

Microbes & the Feline Immune System

Cats evolved around bacteria—on prey, in dens, and on themselves (grooming!). Raw-fed kittens encounter bacteria routinely; a healthy immune system is built to cope. Your job is to handle food safely (see below), transition gradually, and feed variety to support a resilient microbiome.

How Much to Feed (Portions & Schedule)

Kittens (weaning to 12 months)

• Start with 1/4 cup of complete raw in the morning and adjust from there.

• Total daily amount: 6–10% of current body weight split into 3–4 meals/day.

• Focus: energy-dense meals with quality fats and DHA/EPA.

• Adjust weekly—kittens change fast. You should feel ribs with a light touch and see a gentle waist.

Adults (1+ years)

• Total daily amount: 2–3% of ideal body weight, split into 2 meals/day.

• Adjust up or down based on body condition, activity, and whether they’re intact/neutered.

A Simple Raw Framework (Rotate for Balance)

We use commercially prepared raw to take the guess work out, but here is a guideline. Think in weekly balance, not every single bowl:

• 80–85% muscle meat (including heart)

• 5–10% edible bone (finely ground if you don’t serve whole)

• 5% liver

• 5% other secreting organ (kidney, spleen, pancreas)

• Optional: oily fish 1–2x/week for DHA/EPA (tiny portions for kittens)

For beginners or busy families, balanced commercial raw makes this very easy; add variety over time.

Transition Plan (7–14 Days)

1. Pick one protein to start (e.g., turkey).

2. Replace 25% of a meal with raw for 2–3 feedings → then 50% → 75% → 100% raw.

3. Once stools are stable, introduce a second protein; rotate weekly.

4. If stool softens, hold steady or reduce rich organs for a few meals.

Food safety basics: thaw in the fridge, use clean bowls, discard leftovers after ~30–60 minutes, and wash hands/tools.

Special Notes for Kittens (Breeder’s Corner)

• Weaning: we wean our kittens right into raw using the brands listed.(Carnivora, back2raw, Courtlyn Custom)

• No cow milk after weaning: lactose can cause GI upset; they get everything they need from meat, organs, bone, and water.

• Enrichment = better eaters: play, climb, and “hunt” for scattered meal portions to build confidence and appetite.

Is Raw “Complete & Balanced”?

“Complete & balanced” on a label meets minimums to avoid deficiency, not to optimize health. A thoughtfully varied raw plan can exceed those minimums with real food—especially when you rotate proteins and include liver, other secreting organs, and edible bone.

Frequently Asked (and Actually Answered)

Do cats need carbohydrates?

No minimum requirement is established for cats. Many do better on very low-carb diets.

What about kidneys and urinary health?

Hydration matters. Raw diets are naturally moist, which supports urinary tract health alongside appropriate mineral balance.

Is raw safe?

Use reputable suppliers, follow kitchen hygiene, and transition gradually. Healthy cats have robust defenses; your handling keeps risk low.

Dental care—kibble or bones?

Most cats swallow kibble with minimal chewing. Appropriate raw meaty bones (sized to the cat) offer real mechanical cleaning—always supervise.

What portion size should I start serving?

We recommend serve 1/4 cup in the morning to start, and adjust from there.

When to Get a Pro Involved

If your cat has a medical condition (CKD, pancreatitis, IBD, urinary crystals, etc.), loop in a cat-savvy vet or nutritionist and bring your exact recipe/brand. Raw can still be possible—with modifications.

From Our Cattery to Your Kitchen

At Maine Coon Mayo, our kittens are introduced to balanced raw early for sturdy growth, bright eyes, and excellent coats. If you’re welcoming one of our kittens, we’ll send you home with a transition plan, sample portions (pick-up only), and brand suggestions we trust.