Can Cats Eat Salmon? Is Salmon Good for Cats?

Any cat parent who loves seafood has probably been tempted to share a bite of their favorite fish with their cat, and salmon is no exception. Whether fresh or prepackaged, those savory pink filets come in many delicious forms—and your feline friend’s nose probably goes into overdrive as soon as they get a whiff. But can cats eat salmon safely, or should they steer clear?

Good news for cats—salmon is OK to share with your feline friend. In fact, salmon is packed with protein and fatty acids that are essential for their overall health and well-being.

Is Salmon Good for Cats?

If your kitty is lucky enough to persuade you to share your salmon, they’re in luck. Not only do most cats love salmon, but this high-protein treat also offers many nutritional benefits, including:

• Improved eye health: Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for feline vision and can keep your cat's eyes healthy.
• Healthy skin and coat: The same omega-3s in salmon also promote healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat.
• Brain and nervous system health: Salmon also contains vitamins and minerals that can help them cognitively and boost immune health.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help reduce inflammation, which may help prevent chronic disease as your cat gets older.

Can Salmon Be Bad for Cats?

While salmon has numerous health benefits, certain cats may need to avoid it for health reasons. The following are a few of the risks of feeding cats salmon:

• Allergies: While it is rare, cats can have food allergies (namely from proteins), and salmon is no exception. If your cat experiences symptoms such as licking, scratching, overgrooming, skin irritation, upset stomach, or vomiting after eating salmon, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction. If your cat has any of these symptoms, schedule an exam as soon as possible for your cat so your vet can rule out other causes for their symptoms and if a food allergy is suspected. 
• Bones: Though they are small, salmon bones can become a choking hazard for cats. If  bones are swallowed, it’s possible they can cause perforations or obstructions in the GI tract, or get hung in the mouth, throat, and/or esophagus. These are urgent health concerns that require medical attention ASAP.
• Parasites: Raw salmon can contain bacteria (E. coli and salmonella) and a parasite (Nanophyetus salmincola) that can potentially harm you or your cat's health. Cooked salmon is much safer for cats to eat.

How To Safely Prepare Salmon for Cats

Feeding your cat plain, cooked salmon is the best way to avoid health complications. Any salmon for cats should be free of seasonings, spices, or other harmful ingredients that can make your cat sick.

1. If you buy your salmon whole, clean and debone the fish. Remove the head and tail.
2. Cook it to reduce the risk of illness. You can bake, broil, grill, or pan-sear salmon for your cat—just avoid preparing it in oil or butter, which can not only make your cat sick but also add extra calories to your cat’s diet (which would lead to weight gain and obesity).
3. Only offer salmon as a small treat—a pinch or two at a time can be a good treat or mix in with their regular cat food.

Steer clear of raw salmon, since risk of bacterial infection can cause you or your pet harm.

Do not feed your cat canned salmon, either, as it contains extra sodium content. It could also contain unsafe ingredients for cats, like oil, sugar, and spices.

How Much Salmon Can Cats Eat?

When offered as an occasional treat, salmon can be a great addition to your cat’s usual diet. Just be sure to watch portion sizes and steer clear of harmful ingredients, like salt, oil, sugar, garlic, and onion, that might make your pet sick.

Because the calorie content in salmon varies greatly, reach out to your veterinarian, who can help you determine how many calories your cat needs each day and how many calories can be fed as treats.

As with any human foods or new treats—even safe ones—start slowly, offering your cat only a small pinch of salmon at a time. Watch for signs of an upset stomach before offering more.

Always follow the 10% rule: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. The other 90% should come from their well-balanced cat food. Always talk to your veterinarian before adding any new food to your cat’s food bowl.

My Cat Ate Too Much Salmon—What Do I Do?

If your cat overindulges in the seafood, watch them closely for signs of illness, including:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Changes in behavior, like hiding or not interacting with you

Excessive amounts of salmon (say, an entire filet or more) may require a trip to the vet. Same goes for cats who have health conditions—if they’ve had too much fish, call your vet to determine next steps.

Any time you’re unsure about your cat’s well-being after eating something new, call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. They’ll be able to offer veterinary advice tailored to your pet’s health history, size, and age.

Why Do Cats Like Salmon?

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require protein-rich food for their survival. Not only do cats like the fishy smell of salmon, but it’s also likely that they’re drawn to the high protein content of salmon and other fish, which appeals to their natural carnivorous instincts.

Other Human Foods To Feed Your Cat

If your cat loves trying new foods, you can add a little variety to their diet with these other cat-safe human foods. Veggies might not pique their interest in quite the same way as a pinch of salmon, but the following options are all fine to offer your kitty in moderation.

• Banana
• Cooked chicken
• Cooked eggs
• Cooked or canned pumpkin
• Blueberries
• Watermelon
• Peas
• Turkey
• Tuna
• Shrimp
• Strawberries
• Sweet potato