Can Cats Eat Tuna? | Waldo's Friends

Home / Blog / Can Cats Eat Tuna?

Blog

Blog Hero

Cat Food

Can Cats Eat Tuna?

Can Cats Eat Tuna?

The long answer: Similar to dogs, cats should not consume tuna on a daily basis. Tuna is a type of fish that contains high levels of mercury and metals in its body. This is because it lives longer compared with other fish. Feeding tuna to your cat regularly may lead to mercury poisoning. It can manifest as loss of coordination, loss of balance, and difficulty in walking. Tuna is also packed with unsaturated fats that could cause inflammation of the fatty tissue.

Be wary of serving your cat tuna in raw, canned, or brined forms. Raw tuna may contain bacteria such as salmonella, which can make your cat sick. Canned tuna, on the other hand, may have other ingredients that are toxic for him. Examples include garlic, chili, and preservatives, to name a few. Meanwhile, brining contains high levels of salt, which is not recommended for your cat. 

What to do if your cat accidentally eats tuna: Check the nutrition label or find out the ingredients used to cook the tuna. If it contains toxic ingredients for your cat, get in touch with your veterinarian immediately. Observe her for signs of poisoning: salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, twitching and fitting, difficulty in breathing, shock or collapse. Inflammation or swelling of the skin, depression, coma, and changes in drinking, urinating, and appetite may also occur.

In summary: Cats are obligate carnivores, so their diet should consist mostly of animal-based protein. Unfortunately, tuna is not included in this category. If you want to serve fish to your pet cat, choose salmon and sardines instead of tuna. Clean the fish properly, remove all the bones, cook it without any flavourings or heavy sauces, and serve it to her sparingly.

References:

Is Tuna Bad for Cats?

Can Cats Eat Tuna?

Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat

Poisoning in Cats

With concerns about mercury poisoning, is it safe to give canned tuna to cats as a treat?



Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.

Check out related posts

Can Cats Eat Jam?

It is not recommended for cats to eat jam due to the fruit and sugar content. Jam is a jarred jelly product made with crushed fruits, sugar, and water. Almost any fruit can be turned into jam, but it is recommended to use fruits high in pectin, which is a key component in achieving the… Continue reading Can Cats Eat Jam?

Can Cats Eat Mussels?

Yes, cats can eat mussels once in a while. Mussels are bivalve mollusks commonly found in saltwater and freshwater habitats. They are a seafood delicacy contained within elongated and asymmetrical shells. There are about 17 species of mussel that are consumable. These are prepared through boiling, steaming, roasting, or frying in butter or oil. Just… Continue reading Can Cats Eat Mussels?

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

Yes, cats can eat pumpkin seeds. Also known as pepita in North America, pumpkin seeds are edible, oval-shaped seeds taken from pumpkins and other squash variants. The seeds are light green in colour and have a white outer husk. Packed with fat (particularly linoleic and oleic acids), protein, and dietary fiber, pumpkin seeds can be… Continue reading Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds?