Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 8-year-old cat just ate a few chunks of raw wild rabbit left out overnight — what's my first step?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

This is not an immediate poisoning emergency, but raw wild rabbit carries risks of parasites and bacteria. Do not try to induce vomiting unless your vet instructs you to. Keep your cat indoors and watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy over the next 24 hours. Call your own vet if you notice any of these symptoms or if your cat seems unwell.

Rabbit — Food safety facts

Safe to share · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Cooked rabbit is a common novel protein in pet food. Never feed raw wild rabbit.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Safe to share), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Rabbit is not toxic to cats. The real limit is calories, fat and salt, so treat it as a small extra alongside the normal ration rather than a meal in itself.

There is no poisoning risk here, and the usual problem is simply eating too much at once: a heavy fat or salt load can bring on loose stools or a single vomit. Offer water, keep an eye on the pet for 24 hours, and do not induce vomiting.

Why these cautions matter

Raw animal protein carries Salmonella and E. coli risk, and those bacteria can spread to the people in the household too.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Rabbit food facts page.

Open the full food page: Rabbit food facts →