As carnivores, felines must consume meat protein as their main source of nutrients to maintain happy and healthy lives. This is why the first ingredient in most commercial cat food recipes is some kind of meat, usually chicken or fish. This necessity to consume meat may make your furry family member show an interest in the proteins that you’re eating at meal or snack time, like tuna and the water that it’s packed in. But is it okay to give tuna water to your cat?

The short answer is that while it’s safe for your cat to drink tuna water, it’s not the healthiest option for them. That said, you can offer a small amount of tuna water as an occasional snack if your cat really likes it. For clarity, we are referring here to tuna in spring water and not tuna in salt water/brine. Here’s the lowdown!

Tuna Water Isn’t Poisonous to Cats

Tuna water is not toxic to cats, so they are unlikely to fall ill if they eat it. This just means you don’t need to take extra measures to keep tuna water away from your cat like you would with chocolate or garlic. Still, tuna water is not something that your kitty should be lapping up regularly or in large amounts.

Why Tuna Water Should Be Nothing More Than an Occasional Treat

Tuna water is little more than a flavored fluid. However, there can be minimal amounts of omega fatty acids in it. These help provide energy, aid in healthy growth, and promote healthy skin and hair. Drinking a bit of tuna water might boost a cat’s omega fatty acid intake. However, the mercury in the tuna meat can leach into the water, which can have toxic effects.

Mercury is highly toxic and can cause serious harm, even death, if ingested in high enough amounts. Signs of mercury poisoning in cats include neurological problems, such as tremors, blindness, hypermetria, and incoordination. It’s important to remember that while the majority of mercury is found in the tuna meat, there is still a possibility for some amount to show up in the water. While canned tuna seems to have the least amount of mercury bioaccessibility, according to research, it is still best to limit your cat’s access to tuna water. Never give your cat an entire can’s worth of tuna water at once. One or 2 tablespoons of the liquid at one time is more than enough.

Things to Consider When Giving Tuna Water to Your Cat

Not all tuna is created equal. Some have oils added to them, and others are seasoned. Make sure the tuna water you give your cat contains just that: tuna and water, no other oils or seasoning. Also, tuna water is not a replacement for regular drinking water and should never be treated as such. Don’t allow your kitty to drink tuna water if they are not regularly drinking from their water bowl or fountain.

How to Feed Tuna Water to Your Cat

Tuna water can be given to your cat straight from the can. It can be used to flavor their drinking water if you want them to consume more liquids for hydration. Just pour one teaspoon of the liquid into your cat’s water dish. You can also pour a small amount of tuna water over cat food to entice your picky eater to eat.

Can Cats Eat Tuna?

Tuna might be high in protein and omega fatty acids, but it does not contain all the nutrients that a cat needs for good health, so it should not make up the majority of their diet. Tuna also contains mercury, which can be fatal in excess amounts. Therefore, you shouldn’t give tuna to your cat on a regular basis. Use tuna more as a treat, giving only a bite or two once a month. It is also never a good idea to give your cat tuna that has been seasoned or mixed with mayonnaise or other ingredients, or that is packed in oil. These extra ingredients don’t belong in a feline’s diet and can even be dangerous. It is best to ask a vet for their guidance every time you are thinking about adding anything new to your cat’s diet.

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Conclusion

Tuna water is not toxic to cats, so it’s safe to let them drink a small amount as a snack or treat. Tuna is also not a replacement for a high-quality diet and should only be offered a couple of times a month. Many other treats are more nutritious and just as tasty, such as fully cooked (and unseasoned) chicken. So, rather than treating your cat to a steady offering of tuna water, consider working it in a couple of times a month as an extra special treat.

Featured Image Credit: NMTD MEDIA, Shutterstock