Cats · Guide
Can Cats Eat Shrimp Tails?
No, it is best not to give cats shrimp tails or shells. They are hard to chew and could block the gut. Here is what to watch for and when to call a vet.
It is best not to let your cat eat shrimp tails or shells. They are hard and sharp, and a cat may not chew them well. A big piece could get stuck in the stomach or gut. One small tail often passes with no trouble, but peel shrimp before you share.
Why are shrimp tails a problem for cats?
The worry is a blockage. The Merck Veterinary Manual says swallowed objects are one of the causes of a blocked stomach or gut in cats. A shrimp tail is stiff and has a pointed edge.
We did not find a vet source that talks about shrimp tails or shells in particular. So we can’t tell you how likely trouble is, or how big a piece is too big. What we can say is that a hard piece that doesn’t break down is the kind of thing that can cause a blockage. Peeling the shrimp removes the question.
The ASPCA also warns that bones can hurt or block a pet’s gut, and that surgery may be needed. A tail is not a bone, but it is a good reason to keep hard bits off your cat’s plate.
What are the signs of a blockage?
Merck lists these signs of a blocked stomach or gut in cats:
- Vomiting
- Not wanting to eat
- Tiredness or weakness
- Diarrhea
- A swollen or sore belly
- Dehydration
Vomiting and loss of appetite are the most common. If you see any of them after your cat ate a tail, shell or anything else hard, call your vet. Tell the vet what your cat ate and when.
What will the vet do?
Merck says the vet will ask about what your cat ate. X-rays are often needed, and sometimes an ultrasound. A cat that feels ill may get fluids through a vein. Some objects in the stomach can be taken out with a small camera tool. If an object is stuck in the gut, or can’t be reached that way, surgery is needed. Merck also says many cats do well when the problem is found and treated quickly.
What if my cat ate a tail but seems fine?
Don’t panic. Watch your cat for the next few days. Check that your cat is eating, acting normal, and using the litter box. Call your vet if anything changes. If you feel unsure, a phone call to your vet is always okay.
Can cats eat the shrimp itself?
Yes, in small amounts, if it is plain and fully cooked. Our guide on whether cats can eat shrimp covers this in full.
The FDA says shrimp is done when the flesh is firm, pearly and opaque. Cornell advises against raw meat for cats, because it can carry germs. Many shrimp dishes also have garlic, onion or a lot of salt. The ASPCA says onions and garlic can damage a cat’s red blood cells, and that too much salt can make pets very sick.
How do I serve shrimp to my cat safely?
- Cook the shrimp all the way through, with no oil, butter or seasoning.
- Peel it. Take off the shell, the legs and the tail.
- Cut it into tiny pieces.
- Give just a bite or two.
- Don’t leave cooked shrimp out for more than 2 hours, says the FDA.
Cornell says treats should be no more than 10 to 15 percent of what your cat eats in a day. The rest should be a complete cat food.
What can I give my cat instead?
If your cat loves seafood, try a treat made for cats, or a small bite of plain cooked chicken. See our guide to whether cats can eat chicken, or read about foods that are toxic to cats.
Keep dinner plates and the trash can out of reach. Cats are quick, and a dropped tail is gone in a second.
Common questions
Are shrimp tails poisonous to cats?
None of the sources we read say plain shrimp tails are poisonous. The worry is that a hard piece could get stuck in the gut. Sauces and seasonings, like garlic and onion, are a separate risk.
Can cats eat shrimp shells?
Shells carry the same worry as tails. They are hard and could get stuck. Peel the shrimp before you share a small piece.
How long after a cat eats something hard will it get sick?
The sources we read do not give a time. Watch your cat closely for the next few days, and call your vet if you see vomiting, no interest in food, or tiredness.
Can cats eat raw shrimp tails?
It is better not to. Cornell advises against raw meat for cats because it can carry germs. A raw tail also has the same hard-piece problem.