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Can Cats Eat Tuna? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Written by: Elizabeth Gray

Last Updated on November 26, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

VET APPROVED

Dr. Amanda Charles Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Amanda Charles

BVSc GPCert (Derm) MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Tuna is one of the human foods most offered to cats, either as a treat or part of their daily diet. However, just because your cat loves tuna doesn’t mean it’s healthy or safe for them. Cats shouldn’t eat tuna regularly, but it’s okay as an occasional treat for some kitties.

In this article, you’ll learn all about the trouble with tuna and how to safely feed it to your cat should you choose to do so. We’ll also suggest better options if you want to share human snacks with your feline friend.

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Is Tuna Nutritious for Cats?

Despite the concerns about tuna that we’ll address later, tuna is high in protein and contains fatty acids, which help support skin, coat, and joint health. It’s often a protein source in commercial cat food and treats.

The Trouble with Tuna

cat eating wet tuna food
Image Credit: Svetlana Rey, Shutterstock

Although it contains some beneficial nutrients, you should be aware of some concerns about feeding tuna. Here’s a quick rundown of the serious trouble with tuna.

High in Mercury

Mercury is a chemical in the environment, often at higher levels due to human pollution. It can be toxic to cats (and humans) in high enough quantities. As fish swim in contaminated water, they build up levels of mercury in their body.

Eating mercury-rich fish is unsafe for cats and humans. Tuna is one of the species likely to contain higher levels of mercury. Humans are advised to limit their consumption of tuna, and the same applies to our cats.

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Not Nutritionally Balanced

Tuna is not appropriate for your cat’s primary diet because it is not nutritionally balanced. Cats require certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to function normally. Commercial cat diets must meet minimum nutrition standards that include these vital ingredients.

Plain tuna simply doesn’t have the nutrition your cat needs, including antioxidants and vitamin E. Without these nutrients, your cat can become malnourished or develop medical issues.

Open Canned Tuna
Image Credit: P Maxwell Photography, Shutterstock

High in Unsaturated Fat

Tuna contains high amounts of unsaturated fat. Eating fatty foods can cause digestive issues for some cats. High-fat diets can lead to the development of a dangerous health condition called pancreatitis in cats. Cats that eat tuna frequently are also at higher risk of developing steatitis which is inflamed fatty tissue.

Tuna Is Addicting

Because tuna is so tasty, cats can essentially become addicted to it if they eat it frequently. As we discussed, eating too much tuna isn’t safe or healthy. It’s also a problem if your cat gets addicted to tuna and refuses to eat their cat food.

If your cat only wants to eat tuna, they won’t get the proper nutrition they need. And if you try to break them of their addiction, your cat may refuse to eat entirely. If cats go even a few days without eating, they can develop hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver disease.

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How to Safely Feed Tuna to Your Cat

Cat-eating-wet-tuna-food-from-the-white-plate
Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock

If your cat loves tuna and you don’t want to completely deprive them of the taste, here are some tips for safely feeding this fish.

  • Offer tuna as an occasional treat only, and ensure that your cat regularly eats a balanced diet.
  • Never feed your cat raw tuna, which may contain dangerous bacteria. All raw fish are unsuitable for cats as it contain an enzyme called thiaminase that destroys thiamine, an essential B vitamin for your cat.
  • If feeding tinned tuna, only ever offer your cat tinned tuna in freshwater (not brine or oil).
  • Monitor your cat for digestive issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea, after they eat tuna.
  • If you want to give your cat the taste of tuna without worrying about the issues we discussed, consider offering a tuna-based commercial diet or treats.

We recommend seeking veterinarian advice before updating any of your cat’s diet.

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Other Human Food Options for Cats

If you want to offer your cat human food as treats, here are more options:
  • Cooked, lean meat
  • Cooked eggs
  • Whole grains, such as rice and oatmeal
  • Vegetables like cucumber, green beans, and pumpkin
  • Fruit like berries and cantaloupe

Many cats will turn their nose up at fruit and vegetables but some enjoy them! Remember, treats of any kind, including human foods, shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.

Cat Eating Tuna on a plate
Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

While most cats love tuna, they should only eat it as an occasional treat to avoid health concerns. It may not be appropriate for some cats, even in restricted quantities. Talk to your vet before serving tuna to your cat, especially if your kitty is overweight or has chronic medical conditions.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Tim UR, Shutterstock

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