Can Cats Eat Salmon?

Yes, cats can eat a little plain, cooked salmon as an occasional treat. Raw salmon is a bad idea because raw food can carry germs that make cats and people sick. Salmon is also not a full meal, so it should never replace your cat’s regular food.

Why is cooked salmon okay for cats?

Salmon is an oily fish. The Merck Veterinary Manual says oily fish are among the best food sources of omega-3 fats (called EPA and DHA), which cats need while they grow and when they have kittens. Most cats get what they need from a complete cat food, so salmon is a nice extra, not a must.

The problem is giving too much. Merck notes that diets made from just a few foods are often not balanced for cats. It also reports that cats fed large amounts of canned tuna have become short on vitamin E and developed a painful condition called yellow fat disease. That example is about tuna, not salmon. Still, it shows why a diet of mostly fish is risky. For more on this, see can cats eat tuna?

Is raw salmon safe for cats?

No. Raw salmon is not a good idea for two reasons.

First, germs. Cornell’s Feline Health Center does not recommend raw food for cats, and says raw meat is not recommended even as a treat. It can carry the germs that cause toxoplasmosis and other infections. The FDA tested 196 raw pet food samples. It found Salmonella in 15 and Listeria in 32, and warned that people who handle raw food can get sick too. These tests were on raw pet food in general, not on salmon alone.

Second, vitamin B1. Merck explains that raw fish can contain enzymes called thiaminases. These break down thiamine (vitamin B1), and cats need it. Merck names raw freshwater fish and clams as the places these enzymes are found, so salmon is not the main example. Even so, there is no good reason to take the chance. Low thiamine can cause poor appetite, weakness, seizures and other nerve problems. Cooking destroys the enzymes.

How do I serve salmon safely?

• Cook it fully with no oil, butter, salt or seasoning.
• Remove all bones. The ASPCA warns that bones can hurt or block a pet’s gut, sometimes needing surgery.
• Give a few small flakes, not a fillet.
• Let it cool before you offer it.
• Keep it away from onion and garlic. The ASPCA says cats are more sensitive to these than dogs, and they can damage red blood cells.

Cornell says treats should stay under 10 to 15 percent of your cat’s daily calories. Merck and Cornell don’t give a set amount of salmon, so a few flakes now and then is a sensible limit. If your cat has kidney disease, a food allergy or another health problem, ask your vet first.

Other kinds of salmon

Can cats eat canned salmon?

Sometimes, but check the label. Merck says the heat used in canning destroys thiaminase, so canning itself is not the thiamine problem. But Cornell warns that some cats that ate canned fish made for people developed serious nerve problems. Canned salmon for people can also be salty or packed in oil or sauce. The ASPCA says too much salt can cause thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures. If you offer it, choose plain salmon with no added salt, drain it, and give only a few flakes. Canned cat food made with salmon is different. If it is labeled complete for your cat’s life stage, it is fine as a regular meal.

Can cats eat smoked salmon?

It’s best to skip it. I found no veterinary source that talks about smoked salmon directly. Smoked salmon is usually salty, and the ASPCA lists the harm too much salt can do. It may also be eaten without further cooking, and Cornell does not recommend raw food for cats. Plain home-cooked salmon is a safer choice.

Can cats eat salmon skin?

The sources I read don’t say anything specific about salmon skin, so there is no vet-backed answer to give. Skin is fatty, and it is often cooked with oil, salt or seasoning. If your cat gets a bite of plain cooked skin, it is not a reason to panic. Don’t offer it on purpose, and never give skin that was seasoned or fried.

What if my cat ate raw or seasoned salmon?

A small bite of raw salmon usually isn’t an emergency, but watch your cat for a few days. Call your vet if you see vomiting, diarrhea, no appetite, weakness or unusual behavior. If the salmon had onion or garlic, call your vet or a poison hotline right away. Both may charge a fee.

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Don’t make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to. Wash your hands, dishes and counters after the raw fish touches them.

Other foods to check

If your cat likes people food, see our list of foods that are toxic to cats. Another protein-rich treat is plain cooked egg, covered in can cats eat eggs?