Can Cats Eat Shrimp?

The short answer: Yes.

The long answer: Shrimp are decapod crustaceans with elongated bodies. Harvested from ocean waters or shrimp farms, shrimp can be enjoyed by cats as long as they are fresh and cooked the right way. This type of seafood is a great source of protein, phosphorus, selenium, choline, copper, iodine, and vitamin B12.

There are some considerations to take note of before letting your cat try shrimp. Some cats may be allergic to it, so you should feed her a small piece first and see what happens in the next 24 hours. If she develops a skin rash or starts to scratch, do not give it to her again. For cats that can tolerate shrimp, you can also serve raw shrimp, but there’s the risk of being infected with bacteria such as E.Coli, salmonella, and listeria.

How to feed shrimp to your cat: Make sure to wash the shrimp properly. Remove the shell and tail, and devein it with a knife. Cook it by steaming, grilling, or boiling it in water. Do not use salt, garlic, onion, butter, and other herbs or seasonings that might be harmful for her. These might cause gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis. Chop the cooked shrimp into small pieces to prevent choking.

For small-sized cats, half a piece of shrimp is enough as a snack. Meanwhile, one whole piece of shrimp is sufficient for large-sized cats.

Here are three ideas for shrimp treats your cat will love:

Serve it to your cat raw. Just make sure you’ve thoroughly cleaned it and removed its shell and digestive track.
Chop it into tiny pieces and place them over her meal as topping.
Make a birthday cake for your cat using shrimp and tuna!

In summary: Fresh, cooked shrimp is a great addition to your arsenal of cat treats. The protein, selenium, and vitamin B12 will improve her circulatory system and boost her energy. Aside from shrimp, discover which human food cats can safely consume in our “can cats eat” category.