Yes, cats can eat squid that’s prepared and cooked correctly.
Also known as calamari, squid are seafood products that belong to the Decapodiformes superorder. They have soft, elongated bodies, similar to octopuses. But instead of having just eight tentacles, they have 10. Enjoyed by humans in raw, grilled, stuffed, and other forms, squid is packed with zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, vitamin B12, and riboflavin.
Cats can eat squid but only if they’re cooked without seasonings. Raw or undercooked squid can carry foodborne diseases, which can result in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Aside from raw and undercooked squid, do not give your cat squid prepared with salt, garlic, onions, lemon, herbs, spices, and breading. Fried calamari is also a no-no because of the high calorie content and seasonings used to prepare it. Feeding this to your cat can lead to weight gain.
How to feed squid to your cat: Speak with your veterinarian first to make sure your cat is allowed to eat squid. From there, find out how much and how often you can give it to her as a treat. This may depend on her age, size, weight, and daily physical activities, as well as existing health conditions.
Buy fresh or frozen squid from trusted sources. Before cooking, clean and wash the squid thoroughly. Do not overcook so the flesh does not become tough. Chop it into small, bite-sized pieces your cat can munch on. Avoid serving squid to cats that have difficulty chewing.
In summary: High in cholesterol, squid does not contain all the essential nutrients your cat needs to thrive. As such, it would be best to give her this seafood treat once in a while with your vet’s approval. Aside from squid, find out which seafood products your cat can eat in this blog post. You can also browse through our “can cats eat” category to learn which human foods you can safely feed your pet cat.
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