Yes, cats can eat tuna, but only in moderation as an occasional treat. It should never replace their regular diet. While tuna offers protein and omega-3s, eating too much can lead to health issues like mercury poisoning, malnutrition, and obesity. Always choose tuna packed in water (not oil) and avoid varieties with added salt or spices.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Is it safe? | Yes, but only as a snack. |
| Best type | Canned light tuna in water (unsalted). |
| Worst type | Tuna in oil, salted, or seasoned (garlic/onion). |
| Frequency | Once a week or less. |
| Main Risks | Mercury poisoning, weight gain, malnutrition. |
| Nutritional Value | High protein, Omega-3 fatty acids. |
Can Cats Eat Tuna? The Complete Guide
We have all seen cartoons where cats go crazy for fish. While it is true that many cats love the smell and taste of tuna, the reality of feeding it to them is a bit more complicated.
Tuna is not toxic to cats, but it is not a complete meal either. A diet consisting only of tuna will eventually make your cat sick. Here is everything you need to know about safely sharing this fishy snack with your pet.
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Why Do Cats Love Tuna?
Cats have strong senses of smell, and the potent aroma of tuna is hard for them to resist. The strong fishy scent triggers their appetite instantly. Additionally, the high protein and fat content make it highly palatable to felines, who are obligate carnivores (meaning they must eat meat to survive).
The Risks of Eating Too Much Tuna
While a bite here and there is fine, making tuna a regular part of your cat’s diet comes with several serious risks.
- Mercury Poisoning: Tuna, especially Albacore (white) tuna, contains higher levels of mercury than other fish. Over time, mercury can build up in a cat’s body, leading to coordination problems, loss of balance, and difficulty walking.
- Malnutrition: Tuna is not nutritionally balanced for cats. It lacks vital nutrients like calcium, Vitamin E, and iron.
- Thiamine Deficiency: Raw fish contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine (Vitamin B1). A lack of B1 can cause neurological issues like seizures. Cooking the tuna usually prevents this, but it is still a risk with raw diets.
- Steatitis (Yellow Fat Disease): A diet too high in unsaturated fatty acids and low in Vitamin E can cause the fatty tissue in a cat’s body to become inflamed and painful.
- Sodium Overload: Human-grade canned tuna often has added salt. A cat’s kidneys are not designed to process high amounts of sodium, which can lead to dehydration or high blood pressure.
Canned Tuna: Water vs. Oil
If you are going to give your cat canned tuna, the liquid it is packed in matters immensely.
Tuna in Spring Water (Best Choice)
This is the safest option. It has fewer calories and no added fats. Always drain the water before serving, or mix a little of the water into their dry food to encourage them to eat.
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Tuna in Oil (Avoid)
Tuna packed in vegetable or olive oil is too fatty for cats. Excess fat can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and pancreatitis (a painful inflammation of the pancreas). It also contributes to rapid weight gain.
“Tuna Addicts”
There is a real phenomenon where cats become so obsessed with the strong flavor of tuna that they refuse to eat their regular, balanced cat food. Veterinarians often call these cats “tuna junkies.”
Once a cat becomes picky and refuses their kibble or wet food, getting them back on a healthy diet can be difficult. It is best to prevent this addiction by keeping tuna as a rare “high-value” reward rather than a daily meal.
How to Feed Tuna Safely
Follow these simple rules to keep your cat safe:
- Check the Label: Ensure there is no added garlic, onion, or heavy spices. Onion and garlic are toxic to cats and can damage their red blood cells.
- Cook It: If feeding fresh tuna, cook it thoroughly to kill parasites and bacteria. Do not add butter or seasoning.
- Watch the Portion: A “serving” for a cat is about one teaspoon. Remember, a cat is much smaller than a human; a whole can is a massive amount of food for them.
- Frequency: Limit tuna treats to once a week or less.
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Better Alternatives to Tuna
If you want to treat your cat to fish without the high risks of tuna, consider these safer options:
- Commercial Fish Treats: Buying treats made specifically for cats ensures they are low in mercury and fortified with the right vitamins like Taurine.
- Cooked White Fish: Cod, halibut, or flounder are generally lower in heavy metals than tuna.
- Salmon: Cooked salmon is a good source of Omega-3s, but like tuna, it should be fed in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kittens eat tuna?
It is best to avoid giving tuna to kittens. They are in a critical growth stage and need a perfectly balanced diet to develop strong bones and organs. Introducing “human food” too early can also create picky eating habits.
Is tuna juice safe for cats?
Yes, unsalted tuna juice (from water-packed tuna) is often used to help cats drink more water or to make medicine taste better. Just make sure there are no toxic additives like onion powder in the liquid.
What if my cat ate tuna with onions?
If your cat eats tuna prepared with onions, garlic, or chives, contact your veterinarian immediately. These ingredients can cause anemia and are dangerous to felines.
The Bottom Line
Can cats eat tuna? Yes.
Should they eat it every day? No.
Treat tuna like a slice of chocolate cake for a human, delicious and fine on special occasions, but bad for your health if you eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
