So, can cats eat tuna? Tuna is not nutritionally balanced and should not be fed as a large part of your cat's meal plan. Even giving canned tuna as a treat can lead to health issues, especially if it is given in large amounts or frequently.
Cats can eat tuna as a treat and in small amounts, once or twice weekly at a maximum. Choose tuna in natural spring water. Avoid feeding cats tuna in oil or tuna in brine as these human tuna foods contain too much salt and oil so lack any health benefit, and can cause harm.
Feed your cat tuna like it's a treat, meaning only give your cat tuna occasionally and only up to 10% of their day's calories. As part of a balanced diet, you can safely offer one teaspoon of tuna a few times a week, or about one-half can per month.
Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.
Fish, such as tinned sardines in spring water, tinned tuna and tinned salmon (take care with any fish bones) can be offered as a treat occasionally but please avoid feeding fish constantly because this is not a complete diet.
In the sardines vs. tuna debate, sardines come out on top. Tuna, particularly albacore, tends to have higher mercury levels, which can build up in your cat's system over time and cause health problems. Moreover, sardines contain more of the vital nutrient taurine compared to tuna.
Oily fish such as tuna, salmon, and sardines are a superb nutritional supplement to your cat's diet. They are rich in healthy fats such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are great for your cat's eyesight and heart health.
With a strong delicious smell and an enjoyable flavour, most cats will enjoy eating tuna. However, offer too much tuna to your cat and you may be making a rod for your own back! Some cats, if regularly offered tuna, may prefer its taste so much, that they then begin to turn their nose up at their regular foods.
Much as you can feed your salmon-loving cat salmon, you can alternate cooked salmon with cooked tuna-although in moderation, of course. Preferably as an alternate cooked fish treat. As with cooked salmon, cooked tuna is nutritionally beneficial and safe for you tabby-though maybe not as much as salmon.
The Bottom Line. While Fancy Feast can be part of a balanced diet for your cat and provides complete nutrition, it may not be quite as fancy as the name suggests. As with any food, ensure the first few ingredients are high-quality, natural proteins like fish, chicken, or meat.
We mentioned that the mercury content of a fish is related to its size. Consider swapping out tuna for an even smaller fish, like herring, sardines, anchovies or other types of seafood and shellfish.
Cats can safely eat a few pieces of canned sardines that come with water. The ones packed in oil must be washed, while sardines in brine and tomato sauce must be avoided completely. Brine is a highly concentrated water solution of common salt, which is not good for cats.
Tuna is a great source of protein for your cat, and rice provides essential nutrients and carbohydrates. It is a balanced and nutritious meal for your feline friend.
Cook any chicken you give to your cat. Canned meat or fish (in moderation only). Your cat may come running when you open a can of tuna, oysters, sardines, salmon, or shredded chicken. However, canned meat is high in sodiuim and canned fish (tuna especially) contains higher levels of mercury – both harmful to kitty.
Although cats are notoriously finicky, most felines find the mild flavor of chicken appealing. Fish, on the other hand, may be a good choice for a cat that hasn't been eating well, advises Tracy R. Dewhirst, DVM, who writes a pet advice column for the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Meat. Cats are meat eaters, plain and simple. They have to have protein from meat for a strong heart, good vision, and a healthy reproductive system. Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give them that.
All fish contain mercury, but tuna has higher levels compared to other types of fish. Both cats and humans can get mercury poisoning if they eat too much tuna over a long period of time. Signs of mercury poisoning in cats include: Loss of coordination.
Potential Addiction & Food Aversions
Cats can develop such strong cravings for tuna that they will ignore other foods. Your cat may not know it, but they need these other foods to survive. Tuna can not provide a full and balanced nutritional diet for a cat.
Cheese and dairy are not good for cats. They aren't toxic to cats, but eating too much cheese can upset their stomach and lead to diarrhoea or vomiting. Eating cheese over a prolonged period can also lead to obesity. Some cheeses are also very high in salt, which can cause problems in excess just as it does in humans.
While it's perfectly acceptable to feed your cat a commercial dry or wet food, you can offer variety in your feline's diet by feeding it cooked or raw, fresh meat. Many cat's love fish; however, it is not an acceptable food for daily feeding.
Yes, cats can eat eggs. Fully cooked eggs are a great nutritional treat for cats. Eggs are packed with nutrients, like amino acids, which are the building blocks to protein, and they're also highly digestible. Scrambled, boiled, however you choose to prepare them is fine.
Yes, cats can safely consume rice, but only from time to time and in moderate amounts. Rice is not toxic to cats, so a bit of it won't do your kitty any harm, but you shouldn't give too much as rice is not an essential part of their diet.