Can cats eat salmon? Maybe you’ve had this thought if your cat begs for a taste while you’re preparing some salmon as part of your evening dinner. If humans can eat salmon, can cats safely eat it too?
The short answer is yes, cats can eat salmon. In fact, there are a number of positive health benefits that come with feeding salmon to a cat; although, you will have to make sure you monitor the amount that you serve to your cat along with the way you prepare the fish.
As always, you must ask your regular vet before and sharing any human food with your resident feline, including salmon. Here’s what you need to know about salmon and cats.
How Is Salmon Good For Cats?
Salmon is generally considered to be a healthy fish for humans to eat, and it also confers a number of health benefits to cats. It’s a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and it delivers a good amount of protein.
Omega-3 fatty acids can have a positive impact on the condition of your kitty’s coat and skin; plus, they can have a useful anti-inflammatory effect.
How Can I Safely Give Salmon To My Cat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that the majority of their diet should come from protein. However, salmon isn’t actually appropriate to make up the bulk of a feline’s diet. One of the reasons for this is that it has been shown that, in some cases, cats can become addicted to salmon and might shun eating other foods.
The safest way to serve salmon to your cat is to use it as a treat. Always cook the fish without any extra oils, salt, or spices. Poaching salmon can be a great way to prepare it in a fashion that’s safe for your feline. Also, let the salmon cool to room temperature before dishing it up for your kitty.
Finally, while your cat might not suffer too many ill effects if they sneak in a small piece of smoked salmon or lox, it’s worth remembering that cured salmon often contains high levels of sodium. This is also the case for canned salmon.
So stick to serving plain, cooked salmon to your cat, or consider ordering some bags of freeze-dried salmon that you can dispense as convenient treats.
Does your cat ever love to feast on salmon? How do you make sure your gourmand feline doesn’t get addicted to this fish? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
