It’s a well-known cartoon trope that cats and fish go together like dogs and bones. But there are a few things you should keep in mind before giving your pet her favorite treat.
Do you need to worry when your cat sneaks a taste of raw fish while you’re making dinner? Is fish a good source of protein for your cat that only eats meat? Read on to find out.
As a cat owner, you likely want to give your feline friend treats that provide nutritional value while also appealing to their carnivorous tastes You may have wondered, can house cats eat raw fish? After all, cats are natural hunters known for catching fish in the wild However, there are important safety factors to consider before feeding raw seafood to pet cats. In this article, we’ll explore the risks, benefits, and best practices for adding fish to your cat’s diet.
Should Cats Eat Raw Fish?
In the wild, cats regularly consume raw prey including fish. However, there are a few key reasons why raw fish poses more risks for domestic house cats:
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Bacterial contamination – Raw meat and fish can contain bacteria like salmonella and E. coli that cause foodborne illness. Cooking fish destroys these pathogens.
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Parasites – Raw fish may contain harmful parasites Freezing can kill parasites, but cooking fish is a more reliable method
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Thiamine deficiency – Raw fish contains thiaminase an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Long-term deficiency in this essential vitamin can lead to neurological issues.
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Bones – Small, brittle fish bones can lodge in a cat’s throat or damage their digestive tract. This applies to both raw and cooked fish.
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Allergies – Fish is a top food allergen for cats. An allergy may develop over time even if your cat previously tolerated fish.
So while cats are well equipped to eat raw fish and seafood in nature, the risks make it inadvisable to feed uncooked fish to house cats as a regular part of their diet.
Can Cats Eat Certain Raw Fish?
Certain types of raw fish are riskier than others for cats:
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Tuna – High mercury levels can cause mercury poisoning when frequently fed. Choose light tuna and limit intake.
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Salmon – Raw salmon may contain a parasite that can be fatal to cats in large amounts. Freeze or cook salmon before feeding.
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Trout – Contains thiaminase so should always be cooked before feeding to cats.
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Anchovies – Can cause vitamin B1 deficiency. Also high in salt, so limit anchovy treats.
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Herring – May harbor a parasite called herring worm that can infect cats who eat it. Always cook before feeding.
While these fish offer nutritional benefits, it’s safest to avoid giving them to cats raw. Cook them thoroughly or purchase canned versions formulated for pet consumption.
Benefits of Cooked Fish for Cats
When prepared properly, cooked fish can be included as an occasional treat or supplement for cats. Some benefits of adding fish to your cat’s diet in moderation include:
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Excellent source of protein and amino acids for maintaining muscle.
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Provides omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA for skin/coat health and reducing inflammation.
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Contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, phosphorus, selenium, and B vitamins.
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More moisture-rich option compared to dry cat food.
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Natural flavor most cats eagerly enjoy.
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Lean protein supports healthy weight.
Fish delivers a tasty dose of nutrition to benefit your cat’s whole body health. Always monitor your cat’s reaction and ask your vet before significantly increasing fish in their diet.
Feeding Fish to Cats Safely
When preparing fish for your cat, follow these tips to avoid potential risks:
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Purchase fresh, high-quality fish from a trusted seller. Avoid fish with an unpleasant odor.
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Cook fish to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill bacteria and parasites.
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Avoid seasoning fish with herbs, spices, oil, salt, or sauces. Only feed plain, cooked fish.
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Inspect fish carefully and remove all small bones before serving.
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Introduce new fish in small amounts to watch for allergic reactions or tummy upset.
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Limit total fish intake to less than 5% of your cat’s daily calories.
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Store cooked fish safely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and avoid leaving out more than 2 hours.
Taking these precautions helps provide your cat with the nutritional benefits of fish safely. Monitor your cat when introducing fish and discontinue feeding if any signs of discomfort, allergy, or illness occur.
Best Fish Options for Cats
These types of fish provide optimal nutrition for cats when fully cooked:
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whitefish – Mild flavor and lower mercury. Try cod, halibut, or flounder.
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sardines – Small, soft bones. Pick canned in water.
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shrimp – Remove shell. An excellent source of protein.
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pollock – Firm, flaky whitefish high in protein and B12.
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catfish – Mild flavor and texture. Farm-raised is a sustainable choice.
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salmon – Rich in omega-3s. Choose wild-caught Pacific salmon which is lower in mercury.
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light tuna – High in protein but limit intake due to mercury concerns.
Rotate different fish rather than constantly feeding the same one to provide a variety of nutrients. Avoid fish prone to high mercury levels like king mackerel, swordfish, and tilefish.
Can Cats Eat Fish Skin?
It’s fine to leave the fish skin on when cooking filets for your cat. Fish skin becomes very soft and palatable after cooking. It contains a concentrated amount of the healthy fish oils and fatty acids. If your cat normally eats dry food, the extra moisture from fish skin can help with hydration. Watch to ensure your cat fully chews any fish skin instead of swallowing large pieces.
Can Cats Eat Fish Bones?
Do not purposefully feed your cat any raw or cooked fish bones. Fish bones are small, brittle, and prone to splintering. They can puncture or become stuck in your cat’s digestive tract. Make sure to fully de-bone fish fillets before feeding to your cat. Canned fish products made for cats are safe as they are ground up into small bits with bones softened. Your cat’s health is too precious to risk with fish bones!
Fish Cat Food and Supplements
Instead of handling raw fish at home, you can purchase fish cat foods and supplements:
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Canned/pouched cat food – Salmon, tuna, mackerel and other fish flavors. Check the label to ensure fish is the first ingredient.
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Freeze-dried raw – Contains raw fish that is gently processed to kill pathogens. Primal and Stella & Chewy’s are quality brands.
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Fish oil – Purified fish oil capsules provide omega-3 fatty acids. Give as directed on the bottle.
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Fish broth – Low-sodium varieties can add flavor to food.
These provide the benefits of fish in formats specifically designed for safe feline consumption. Always transition slowly when changing your cat’s diet.
The Takeaway: Cook Fish Fully Before Feeding
Frequency of Entities:
fish: 63
raw: 18
cats: 55
cooked: 9
salmon: 5
tuna: 4
Can Cats Eat Shrimp?
Low in calories and high in protein, shrimp can be a great treat for cats. However, it has a lot of sodium and cholesterol, so you shouldn’t give it to your cat often.
As with any fish, you should cook shrimp before giving it to your cat. Don’t add any oil, salt, or seasonings. Also, you should take off the tail before giving it to your cat because it could choke on it or even contain poison.
Can Cats Eat Raw Fish?
Lions, tigers, and bobcats, your cat’s wild ancestors and cousins, may catch and eat fish right out of a shallow stream, but that doesn’t mean your house cat can do the same.
In fact, raw fish can be incredibly dangerous for cats. As with any raw meat, there’s a risk of contamination from harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning in humans and cats alike.
Additionally, raw fish contains an enzyme called thiaminase, which destroys the essential B vitamin thiamine. Over time, thiamine deficiency can lead to serious health issues, such as neurological problems.
Also, remember that fish bones can choke your cat, whether they are cooked or raw, and they can even hurt their digestive system.
Should I Feed Fish to my Cat? Is It SAFE? | Cat Nutrition Guide 101
Can cats eat fish raw?
Tuna, salmon, and other types of fatty fish can be particularly harmful to cats if eaten raw. These types of fish contain high levels of unsaturated fats, which can lead to vitamin E deficiency in cats. Additionally, these types of fish often contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to cats. 4.
Can cats eat cooked fish?
Cooked fish is safe for cats to consume and it can be found in many commercial cat foods and treats. Cooked salmon, white fish, and oily fish are all common protein bases in commercial cat diets. Although cats are obligate carnivores and rely heavily on animal-sourced protein, eating raw fish can lead to serious health issues.
Can cats eat fish bones?
Fish bones can become a choking hazard and can even cause damage to a cat’s intestinal tract. It should also never be raw, as it has a higher chance of being contaminated with harmful bacteria. On top of that, raw fish contains thiaminase, which breaks down and depletes your cat’s thiamine levels, which is essential for your cat’s health.
Can cats eat raw salmon?
Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, raw salmon supports your cats’ heart health and eyesight. Consuming fresh salmon helps to maintain its nutritional quality as well as proving irresistible to curious paws. Just as with tuna, be careful about giving your cat tinned salmon, as it doesn’t have the same nutritional benefits as raw. White fish