Can Cats Eat Anchovies?

A tiny bite of plain anchovy is unlikely to hurt a healthy cat, but it should be a rare treat. The main worry is salt, so check the label. Anchovies are also not a complete meal, so they can’t replace cat food.

Are anchovies safe for cats?

None of the veterinary pages we read gives a clear yes or no for anchovies. None names a safe amount either.

So the advice here comes from broader guidance. Cornell’s Feline Health Center says treats should make up no more than about 10 to 15 percent of your cat’s calories and should be given only once in a while. It also warns that some cats that ate canned fish made for people developed serious nerve problems. That page does not name anchovies, so treat it as a reason to keep any canned fish small and rare.

Why is salt the main concern?

The ASPCA says too much salt can make pets vomit, have diarrhea, feel low in energy, shake, have seizures, and even die. Pet Poison Helpline lists similar signs, and adds extra thirst and peeing.

Neither page gives an amount that is dangerous for cats. A tiny taste of a salty fish is not the same as a big dose, but a cat is small, and salt adds up. That is why a bite or two is the most you should offer. Always keep fresh water out.

If your cat eats a lot of salty food and starts to throw up, act weak, or shake, call your vet right away.

What about mercury?

Mercury is a smaller worry with anchovies than with tuna. The FDA’s testing found an average of 0.016 parts per million in anchovies. Canned light tuna averaged 0.126, and canned albacore tuna averaged 0.350.

If you want the full story on a similar fish, see our guide on whether cats can eat tuna. The Merck Veterinary Manual says cats that eat large amounts of canned tuna can get a painful fat condition called yellow fat disease, linked to low vitamin E. The page names tuna, not anchovies. Still, it is a good reason not to let any canned fish become a habit.

How do I serve anchovies to my cat?

If you decide to share, keep it simple:

• Offer one small piece, not a whole fish.
• Choose plain anchovies with no garlic, onion, spices, or sauce.
• Rinse off extra salt and oil under water, then pat dry.
• Don’t offer it more than once in a while.
• Watch your cat afterward for vomiting or diarrhea. If it happens, don’t offer anchovies again.

Rinsing is our own suggestion, not advice from a source. It won’t remove all the salt, so keep the amount small.

Can my cat have anchovies on pizza or in sauce?

It’s better not to. Pizza, dressings, and pasta sauces are mixed dishes, and it is hard to know how much salt is in them. The ASPCA warns about salty foods. Give a plain piece of fish on its own if you want to share.

What can I feed my cat instead?

The best food for your cat is a complete and balanced cat food. Cornell says a food with an AAFCO statement on the label is “complete and balanced.” Fish-flavored cat food is made to meet your cat’s needs, so it is a better way to give fish flavor than people’s canned fish.

For a once-in-a-while treat, a little plain cooked fish is an option. Our guide to cats and salmon covers that. Ask your vet what treats fit your cat, especially if your cat has a health problem.