Can Cats Eat Squid? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts, Risks & Feeding Info
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Squid isn’t common table fare in all locations, but depending on where you’re at, it might be a popular dish. In America, squid is most commonly served fried with a side of marinara sauce in a dish known as calamari. But in other places, namely the Mediterranean, squid is a much more common dish and can be prepared in numerous ways.
Seafood is already polarizing; you either love it or hate it. Squid is even more so. But if you love squid, you may be thinking that sharing a bite of your squid is a great treat for your cat. The question is, will your cat feel the same, and is it a safe treat for them to consume? Truthfully, plain unseasoned cooked squid is safe for cats. Read on to learn more about squid and your cat.
Are There Benefits to Feeding Your Cat Squid?
Squid, like other seafood, is a source of protein for your cat that’s also low in fat. Therefore, it is considered an appropriate treat for them. It can be served to cats fried, boiled, or steamed.
However, it shouldn’t be the sole protein you offer your cat, as its amino acid profile isn’t the same as other meats or other seafood.
Risks of Feeding Your Cat Squid
When prepared properly, free of seasonings and boiled, squid won’t be too dangerous for your cat. But if you offer your cat squid prepared in some other way, then it could be a terrible treat that’s just waiting to cause your cat a problem. Remember, squid isn’t part of your cat’s natural diet, so it’s definitely an oddball food source for them.
Thiaminase
Almost all white meat seafood contains an enzyme known as thiaminase. This enzyme can lead to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency if offered in excess. Therefore, you shouldn’t feed your pet raw squid.
Choking
Even if you prepare your cat’s squid boiled and without seasonings, it’s still going to be rubbery and chewy. This could potentially present a choking hazard for your cat who’s never encountered such a texture before.
Fried with Seasonings and Oil
In America, calamari is the most common way to serve squid. Calamari is fried and seasoned. Fried food is not healthy for your cat. It’s not healthy for humans either, but we can make our own decisions. Beyond the fried factor, calamari is covered in seasonings, some of which could be harmful to your cat, such as onion or garlic.
They Might Not Want Regular Cat Food
When you feed your cat something new and exotic, there’s always the possibility that they love the new food too much and will refuse to eat their regular cat food. While this is possible with any food, cats’ affinity for seafood is anecdotally well known, and you could be setting your cat up for a squid addiction of sorts.
How Cats Can Eat Squid
If you’re dead-set on feeding your feline some squid, then the best way to do so is by boiling the squid plain, offering it steamed, or offering it dried. No spices or seasonings should be added as these can be unsafe for your cat. Once boiled, make sure you cut the squid into sufficiently tiny pieces to ensure your cat doesn’t choke on the chewy texture. Ask a veterinarian for guidance on how to serve squid to your cat safely.
Seafood Alternatives to Squid
Your cat loves seafood and you want to offer them a treat that they will love. There are plenty of seafood options that are safe for your feline. For instance, shrimp and salmon are both great foods to offer your cats. Of course, you don’t have to prepare these fish yourself; many cat foods exist with similar seafoods listed as the primary ingredient and your cat won’t know the difference if you buy their treat instead of cooking it yourself!
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Conclusion
Squid isn’t toxic or poisonous for cats, and is safe for pet cats as long as it isn’t raw or seasoned. Served as calamari, this fried and seasoned food could be toxic for your feline or at least contribute to weight gain. Seafood such as salmon and shrimp are additional seafood options, though you can offer squid to your cat if it’s boiled or steamed, and free of seasonings.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
