Can Cats Eat Raw Salmon? A Vet’s Guide to Safely Feeding Fish

Salmon is one of the most popular fish for us humans to eat. In fact salmon is among the top three most consumed seafood in the United States. So if you enjoy grilled baked, or pan-seared salmon fillets for dinner, your curious kitty is bound to come sniffing around the kitchen, eager for a taste.

Seeing our cats show interest in human food, especially something as strongly scented as salmon, makes us wonder: Can cats eat salmon? And what about raw salmon? Is it safe for cats or should you only feed cooked salmon?

As an obligate carnivore, your cat’s diet should consist primarily of meat. So feeding fish like salmon can seem like a great way supplement their regular cat food. However there are a few important things cat owners need to know before serving up salmon fillets to their feline friends.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about giving cats salmon, such as:

• Can cats eat raw salmon?
• Is salmon good for cats? Potential health benefits of salmon for cats
• How much salmon can cats eat? Recommended salmon serving sizes
• Safe preparation: Should you cook salmon before feeding it?
• Risks and dangers of raw salmon for cats
• Can cats eat smoked salmon, canned salmon, salmon skin, etc.?

Let’s start with the most important safety question for cat owners:

Should You Ever Feed Raw Salmon to Cats?

Feeding raw salmon to cats is not recommended by veterinarians. Raw salmon contains bacteria and parasites that can make your cat sick.

Potential risks of raw salmon include:

• Salmon poisoning disease – Caused by a parasite called nanophyetus salmincola. Symptoms include vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Fatal if untreated.

• Food poisoning – Raw salmon prone to harbor Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria bacteria. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

• Anisakiasis – Infection caused by parasitic worms (Anisakis) in raw fish. Can lead to painful stomach/intestines and bowel obstruction.

• Vitamin B1 deficiency – Raw fish contains an enzyme called thiaminase that destroys vitamin B1, which cats need for nerve and heart health. Can cause neurological issues.

So while salmon provides healthy nutrients for cats, raw salmon poses too much risk of foodborne illness for your kitty’s safety. Always cook salmon thoroughly before feeding it to cats.

Is Cooked Salmon Good for Cats? Benefits of Fish

When properly cooked and served in moderation, salmon can be a great occasional treat for cats. Here are some of the health benefits of salmon for cats:

• Rich source of protein – Salmon is high in protein, which cat’s need to thrive on a meat-based diet. Helps maintain muscles and energy.

• Omega-3 fatty acids – Salmon has anti-inflammatory omega-3s EPA and DHA. Can improve skin/coat, joint health, heart health, brain function.

• Vitamin B12 – Salmon contains vitamin B12, which supports nervous system and metabolic function. Cats can’t produce this vitamin on their own.

• Taurine – Supports eye and heart health. Cats must get taurine from diet. Salmon provides good amounts.

• Lean source of calories – Provides a boost of energy from protein and healthy fats. Helps maintain ideal weight.

So in moderation, cooked salmon makes a nutritious supplemental treat for cats as part of a balanced feline diet.

How Much Salmon Can Cats Eat Safely?

While cooked salmon can provide benefits, veterinarians recommend limiting portion sizes to avoid potential health issues:

• Imbalanced nutrition – Excessive salmon intake can lead to malnutrition since fish lacks key nutrients cats also need from other foods.

• Weight gain – Salmon is high in fat and calories. Too much can cause obesity in cats. Stick to small servings.

• Allergies – Fish protein allergies are not uncommon in cats. Feeding too much salmon may trigger itchy skin, gastrointestinal issues.

• Picky eating – Cats may refuse other foods if they get a taste for salmon. Variety is important.

There are no definitive serving guidelines, but experts suggest limiting salmon to:

• One small meal per week
• A few salmon treats/week
• Sprinkling on top of regular cat food occasionally

Avoid salmon making up more than 10-15% of your cat’s total weekly calories. Start with tiny portions to test your cat’s tolerance.

How to Choose and Prepare Salmon for Cats

When selecting and cooking salmon to feed your cat, follow these tips for safety:

• Choose wild-caught salmon – Lower contamination risk than farmed Atlantic salmon. Pacific species like sockeye preferable.

• Cook thoroughly to 165°F – Cooking destroys any parasites, bacteria, viruses that may be present. Flake with fork to check for doneness.

• Avoid seasonings/oils – Skip butter, herbs, spices, salt, lemon, garlic, etc. which can upset your cat’s stomach.

• Remove all bones – Fish bones can cause internal injury or choking hazard. Check fillet carefully.

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly – To avoid bacterial growth. Toss any uneaten salmon after 2-3 days.

What Types of Salmon Can Cats Eat?

When it comes to different salmon options at the grocery store, here are some dos and don’ts:

Safe Salmon Options for Cats

• Cooked salmon fillets or steaks
• Plain canned salmon (no salt added)
• Home-smoked salmon (no spices)
• Salmon skin (cooked)

Unsafe Salmon Products

• Raw salmon (sushi, lox, gravlax etc.)
• Canned salmon packed in oil, broth, or flavorings
• Smoked salmon with added spices or salt
• Deli salmon salad/spread
• Leftover salmon from your plate

Stick to plain, cooked salmon fillets or canned and your cat can enjoy salmon safely in moderation. Avoid raw preparations and highly seasoned products.

Should Salmon be a Regular Part of Your Cat’s Diet?

While salmon can be a nutritious occasional treat for cats, fish does not need to be a regular part of your cat’s diet. Here’s why:

• Cats thrive on a meat-based diet – Poultry, beef, lamb provide all the key nutrients cats need. No requirements for fish.

• Risk of mercury exposure – Fish intake increases mercury risks. Cats already get mercury from cat food.

• High calorie – Even cooked salmon is high in fat. Can contribute to weight gain. Lean meats are better.

• Allergies – More cats have allergies to fish than beef or chicken. Risks intestinal issues.

• Picky eating – Feeding one treat too often can make your cat refuse other foods. Variety is key.

Rotating different protein sources is ideal for cats. While an occasional salmon meal can provide benefits, it shouldn’t become a diet staple.

The Verdict: Salmon as an Occasional Cat Treat

To sum up the veterinarian guidance on cats and salmon:

✅ Cooked salmon fillet or canned salmon in water are SAFE in moderation

❌ Raw salmon and highly seasoned products are NOT SAFE

‍⬛ Salmon provides protein, omega-3s and other nutrients cats can benefit from

‍⬛ Limit to one small serving per week to avoid nutritional imbalance

‍⬛ Cook thoroughly and pick bones out carefully to avoid hazards

‍⬛ Introduce new foods slowly and watch for allergic reactions

So yes, your cat can enjoy a