As we all have seen that cats love eating fish, and salmon could be one of the favorites of your cat among the many other varieties of fish available. Salmon is also a common first ingredient in most commercial cat foods.
Salmon is rich in protein vitamins & minerals. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, before feeding salmon to your cats, there are certain things that you need to take into consideration.
Whenever you are feeding salmon to your cat, keep in mind your cat should consume it in moderation. You can start by feeding a small portion in the beginning.
Keep reading this article, as we move further ahead you will get to know the advantages and disadvantages of feeding salmon to your cat.
Can Cats Eat Salmon?
Yes, cats can eat salmon after it has been cooked, but only in small amounts. Moreover, you also need to make sure to remove bones and cartilages before cooking Salmon. This fish is considered a good source of high-quality protein, and hence it will be beneficial for your cat in many ways. However, you can’t replace it with your cat’s main meal.
You also need to be very careful when feeding Salmon to your cat as it can become addictive to them. So occasional treats are fine but don’t make this fish her daily habit.
But Not All Cats Can Eat Salmon!
Salmon does not suit every cat, all cats are different & have different digestive systems. You might get shocked by knowing that fish allergies in cats are quite common.
If you never had fed salmon to your cat then can start with 1-2 pieces. Then you can observe your cat for 24 hours for any side effects.
There are many common symptoms of fish allergies in cats such as itchy skin, itchy eyes, itchy tails & paws, & sneezing. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, or trouble breathing. You should contact your veterinarian immediately.
If your cat is perfectly fine then she has got a new snack on her treat list. However, you should not feed more than a limit as it might lead your cat to constipation.
Salmon; How to Feed & How NOT to
Cooked Salmon
Cats can only have cooked salmon, you have to prepare the salmon with no spices. You have to make sure that it is cooked thoroughly & remove the fish bones & thin cartilages.
Note that you should not feed the leftovers salmon from your plate as it might have spices & sauces, and your cat might not be able to digest them.
Canned Salmon
Although some people might think that canned Salmon would be an easy way to feed it to their kitties, however, this is not a good option. Canned Salmon contains salt in amounts higher than advisable for cats. Ultimately, this also results in a high sodium content, which makes it toxic to your cats.
Hence, not just with canned Salmon, you need to be careful before feeding anything to your cat that it doesn’t have salt. This is because, even in small amounts, salt can be toxic to cats.
Also Read: Do Cats Eat Chicken?
Raw Salmon
Why do we cook the salmon? Everyone knows raw fish contains harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. These bacteria can cause food poisoning to your furball, that’s the reason you should always feed cooked salmon to your cat.
Moreover, raw salmon contains high concentrated enzymes called thiaminase, which actually destroys the thiamine in your cat’s body. This will lead your cat towards vitamin B1 deficiency, & it may be deadly if not detected in the early stages.
If you cook the salmon it will destroy the enzymes called thiaminase, It will help to preserve thiamine in your cat’s body.
Many cats are suffering from a taurine deficiency. There is a myth among the cat owners that raw salmon has a good amount of taurine then you are wrong.
Not only the raw salmon is harmful to your cat. I would like to share a fact here cooked chicken contains 170 milligrams of taurine per 100g serving. In the same case, raw salmon contains only 94 milligrams of taurine per 100g serving.
Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is also the same as canned salmon it contains highly concentrated sodium which will harm your cat. If you see in every 100g of smoked salmon you may find around 500 – 1,000mg of salt, which is not suitable for your furball.
Nutritional Facts of Salmon
Feeding a little bit of salmon once or twice a week as a treat is perfect, it is not only for their taste buds as salmon has many nutritional benefits. Here below I have mentioned them, have a look to know more.
Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are necessary for cats, they will help to nourish your cat’s skin from the inside out. You will feel the difference in your cat’s coat it would be super healthy and glossy.
Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are essential to assist the development and functioning of your feline’s brain & eye health.
These fatty acids support bones and joints to keep them healthy. Moreover, arachidonic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that is essential for felines. The cooked salmon is a good source of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
Vitamin B12
Every cat does not produce vitamin B12 in their body. Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin, also salmon contains a good amount of vitamin B12. It is also beneficial for your furry feline’s immune system, nervous system, and cognitive function.
Vitamin B6
Similarly, cats do not produce Vitamin B6, however, cats require a higher amount of vitamin B6. It is also known as pyridoxine. Every cat & animal needs Vitamin B6 as it helps to absorb fat & protein from the food.
FAQs
How do I prepare salmon for my cat?
If you are cooking salmon for your cat then you can follow these steps to make the authentic salmon for cats.
1. Wrap the salmon in the foil paper & parchment paper.
2. Then let it cook for 15-17 minutes, you have to switch the sides so that it can
be cooked evenly.
3. Once it’s done then you can let it cool down for a few minutes.
4. The Salmon should be pink with white lines when it’s done.
Can cats eat salmon skin?
No, you should not provide salmon skin to your furry cat. It is not that it is bad for them. There are no nutritional benefits in salmon skin for cats. This is covered with fat & it is slightly slimy which may chock your cat’s throat.
Can cats eat salmon every day?
No, you should feed salmon to your cat every day, as your cat might not get all the nutrients needed from the salmon.
If your cat gets accustomed to salmon then it will refuse to eat its normal meal.
So always try to keep variety in your furball’s meals, besides that you can give them all the nutrients they want.
Final Verdict
I would like to end this “Can Cats Eat Salmon?” blog here. I hope that you got all the answers to your questions related to feeding salmon to your cat.
Like most things, if you feed salmon in moderation to your cat then it might be beneficial. Salmon also contains high levels of omega-fatty acids, which help in healthy skin and a smooth silky coat.
If you are feeding salmon to your furball, then we all would like to hear from you about your stories.
Also Read: Do Cats Eat Rice?
References and Further Reading:
- Humans Food That Are Dangerous for Cats — PetMD
- Feeding Your Cat — Cornell University College
- Nutritional Problems in Cats — PubMed
Mommy and kitten hanging around. I bought cat food. I have some salmon in the can. I am going to cook it for them as you suggested. But stray cats stomachs may not get upset since they are outside cats.