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Can Cats Eat Tuna: Is it Safe for Them?
Are you curious if your cat can eat tuna safely while still enjoying a high protein treat? This article breaks down the benefits and risks of feeding your feline friend tuna.
If you’ve noticed that your cat’s wet food features a hint of tuna, you might be asking yourself, can cats eat tuna? Is the tuna from your local super market safe for sharing, or is this human grade fish a poor choice for our feline friends? Here’s what you need to know before offering it to your pet.
Can Cats Eat Tuna?
Can cats eat tuna? In short, yes, cats can eat tuna. As obligate carnivores, they require a protein rich diet, and tuna provides an excellent source of high quality protein. However, before you introduce tuna into your cat’s meals, there are several factors cat parents need to consider. One key aspect is determining which type of tuna is safe for cats. We discuss these considerations below.
Tinned Tuna
Tinned tuna is safe for cats when it’s packed exclusively in spring water and contains no seasonings or additives. Avoid giving your cat tuna preserved in brine or sunflower oil, these products are intended for human consumption only. Brine is essentially salt water, and its high sodium content can upset your cat’s electrolyte balance. Should your cat consume enough brined tuna to become toxic, it could lead to dehydration and even kidney issues. Similarly, tuna in sunflower oil is hard for cats to digest and may result in gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea. We explore the risks of tinned tuna for cats in more detail below.
Raw Tuna
Raw tuna carries an increased risk of bacterial contamination and may harbour parasite eggs, such as tapeworm larvae, which is why feeding cats raw tuna is not advised. Moreover, a diet based on raw fish can lead to a Vitamin B1 deficiency, potentially resulting in neurological issues. related article: Worms in Cats | Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.
Cooked Tuna
Cooked tuna offers a safer option for your cat since the cooking process eliminates any bacteria or parasitic larvae. If you decide to feed your cat tuna, ensure that you omit any salt, seasonings, or oil.
Is Tuna Good for Cats?
Tuna can serve as a safe and nutritious treat for your cat when offered in moderation. It’s important to ensure the tuna is properly prepared cooked thoroughly and served plain without any oils or spices. This method preserves its high protein content and low carbohydrate profile.
Additionally, tuna is rich in omega fatty acids, which support cardiac health and help maintain a glossy, healthy coat. Many of the vitamins and minerals in this oily fish also benefit your feline friend. However, tuna is naturally low in vitamin E, so feeding it in large amounts could lead to serious nutritional imbalances.
Can Tuna Be Bad for Cats?
Overconsumption of tuna by cats can lead to several issues:
- Human grade tuna is typically low in vitamin E, a crucial nutrient that cats require. If a cat’s diet becomes overly reliant on tuna, it can lead to nutritional imbalances and ultimately contribute to disease.
- Tuna is quite calorie dense, so feeding your cat too much of it can rapidly contribute to weight gain and obesity.
- Certain cats may be allergic to fish.
- Tuna contains a very high level of mercury, especially albacore tuna. When cats are fed large amounts of this fish, the mercury content can accumulate and potentially lead to mercury toxicity.
Due to these issues, human grade tuna should only be offered as an occasional treat in small portions. On the other hand, tuna feed formulated specifically for cats is enriched with extra ingredients to achieve a balanced nutritional profile, so you can serve it without worry.
How Much Tuna Can I Give My Cat?
Cats are naturally attracted to the enticing smell and taste of tuna—and if given the chance, they might overindulge. However, too much of this feline delicacy can lead to serious health issues, including steatitis (fat inflammation), myopathy (muscle inflammation), and mercury poisoning. That's why it's crucial to limit tuna to an occasional treat.
For adult cats, offer no more than 1 tablespoon of plain, unseasoned, cooked human-grade tuna once a week. Kittens, meanwhile, should avoid tuna until they’re at least one year old.
In contrast, tuna formulated specifically for cats is enriched with extra ingredients to ensure a balanced nutritional profile, making it safe for daily feeding without increasing the risk of disease.
Takeaway Points
Below are the key takeaways from our article on the question: can cats eat tuna?
Moderation is Key: While cats can eat tuna, it should be offered only as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of their diet.
Proper Preparation Matters: Tinned tuna is safe when it's packed in plain spring water without added salt, seasonings, or oil.
Not a Complete Diet: Although tuna is high in protein, it doesn't provide a full range of nutrients needed for a balanced feline diet.
Mercury Concerns: Tuna, particularly albacore tuna, contains high levels of mercury that can accumulate and lead to mercury toxicity if fed in excess.
Calorie Density: Due to its rich calorie content, too much tuna can contribute to rapid weight gain and obesity in cats.
Potential Allergies: Some cats may be allergic to fish, so it’s important to watch for any adverse reactions.
Vitamin E Deficiency: Human-grade tuna lacks sufficient vitamin E, a critical nutrient, which can cause health issues when tuna dominates the diet.
Cat-Specific Options: Tuna feed formulated specifically for cats includes additional supplements to create a more balanced nutritional profile.
FAQ
Can Cats Eat Canned Tuna?
Tinned tuna is safe to feed your cat when it's packed in water rather than oil. Make sure there are no added spices or flavourings, and it's best to avoid albacore tuna due to its higher mercury levels compared to other types.
Can Kittens Eat Tuna?
Kittens should avoid tuna. They have delicate dietary needs and require a carefully balanced nutrition plan to properly develop their bones and internal organs. Additionally, kittens are more susceptible to toxins, like the mercury commonly found in tuna. For these reasons, it's best to wait until your cat is at least one year old before offering tuna as a treat.
Can I give my cat 1 can of tuna?
While your cat can eat tuna, it's important not to serve an entire can at once. Tuna contains high levels of mercury, which can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Since some varieties have even higher mercury concentrations, it's crucial to select your tuna product carefully.
What canned tuna is safe for cats?
Cats should only eat tuna that's packed in spring water. Tuna in oil or brine can lead to health problems, so it's important to choose a high quality tinned tuna product without any salt, seasonings, or additives. Additionally, tinned tuna should only be offered to your cat in small, occasional amounts.
Can cats eat tuna in brine?
No, cats should not eat tuna in brine because its high salt content can lead to electrolyte imbalances and other health issues.
Is tuna water safe to give?
Yes, tuna water is safe to give as long as it's from tuna packed in plain spring water without any salt or additives.
Is it okay to feed cats can tuna fish every day?
No, it's not advisable to feed your cat canned tuna every day. While cats may love the taste, tuna can be high in mercury and doesn't provide a complete nutritional profile, so it should only be offered as an occasional treat alongside a balanced diet.
Kelly Rushton
Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 9 Charming Ragdoll Cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.
