Can cats eat fish bones? You might have had this thought after seeing cartoon images of cats chowing down on fish bones. But is is really safe for cats to eat them?
There is no short yes or no answer as to whether cats can eat fish bones. The main issue is that a cat could choke on the bones while eating them, and this is particularly so for domesticated cats who might have gotten used to a wet food diet.
Overall, you’re probably better off avoiding feeding fish with bones to your cat. Deboned fish is the safest option.
But if you do feed your cat fish bones, note that uncooked fish usually has softer bones and is a safer option than feeding your cat cooked fish complete with bones.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before going ahead and sharing any new food with your beloved feline. Here’s what you need to know about fish bones and cats.
When Are Fish Bones Okay For Cats To Eat?
First of all, if you’re contemplating feeding a whole fish, including bones, to your cat, stick to safely prepared, raw fish.
This is because the bones of a raw fish won’t have become oxidized like they would if you cooked a fish. This also means that the fish bones are softer and easier to digest for a cat.
Secondly, stick to small fish, especially at first. This is because smaller fish have smaller bones that are less likely to become a choking hazard.
Finally, always supervise a cat eating fish bones.
When Are Fish Bones Bad For Cats?
Fish bones can be a choking hazard for cats. This is especially so in the case of domestic felines who have been raised on a diet of commercial cat foods that are designed to be softer in texture and easier to digest.
Remember that larger fish bones can also be less brittle and could cause serious damage to a cat’s windpipe and digestive system.
If you notice signs that your cat is choking on fish bones, call an emergency veterinarian straight away and follow the advice they give you.
While some cats do enjoy fish bones, the potential for having to take a trip to an emergency vet means that they’re one food that you should think very hard about before feeding to your favorite feline.
What kinds of fish does your cat like to eat? Has your cat ever tried to eat the fish bones? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
