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The quick answer: Yes, cats can eat cooked salmon in very small amounts.
Carnivorous felines need to eat meat in order to get the essential proteins, amino acids, healthy fats, and other vital nutrients for survival. Your cat may be drawn to salmon because of its strong, fishy smell. However, salmon doesn’t provide enough vitamins and nutrients for your cat.
Though a taste of freshly cooked salmon here and there won’t hurt, salmon meat does not contain the right nutrient balance to sustain a cat’s healthy lifestyle. If a cat’s primary source of protein is salmon, she will quickly become malnourished because it lacks enough taurine to meet her needs.
When sharing salmon with your cat, be sure the salmon is freshly cooked and unseasoned, and only serve in small amounts.
Hazards of salmon for cats
Be sure to avoid giving these to your cat:
- Canned salmon: This often contains high amounts of sodium and other preservatives which can be very dangerous to a cat.
- Bones: Fish bones are small and pose the threat of choking or internal obstruction.
- Raw fish or skin: Raw fish can be contaminated with parasites or E. coli which can have serious health consequences for a small animal like a cat.
If your cat develops a taste for salmon, it may become more difficult to get her to eat her regular, nutritious food as she begs for more fishy goodness. Use your best judgment and always moderate your cat’s intake of treats and snacks that are not part of her regular diet.
