Why Can't Cats Eat Fish?

There are many myths around the feeding of cats, such as the one that says that homemade or raw food is toxic for them, or that the only thing they can eat is quality feed. Well, I prefer to be skeptical, and I'll tell you why: in nature there is no one to prepare croquettes (I think), so carnivorous animals must hunt their prey if they want to survive.

Still, it's totally normal for people to wonder why can't cats eat fish.

All extremes are harmful to health

Both the excess and the lack of fish can be harmful to the health of the animal, in this case the cat. If he ate only raw fish you would end up having very low vitamin B1 levels, because fish contain thiaminase (an enzyme that causes this effect), and it would not take long to have serious problems such as seizures or even, in severe cases, could even die.

It should also be taken into account that there are several fish that contain mercury, in addition to bacteria, so it is always recommended to cook them. Another option is to give good quality cat cans (I think wet) that contain fish, as this way you make sure that it will not do any damage to it as it is already perfectly washed and cooked.

Raw fish can be toxic

In addition to the symptoms that we have mentioned, the cat may present other equally worrisome ones, such as: vomiting, fever, or diarrhea. In severe cases you may end up having yellow fat disease (pansteatitis).

So, if your furry asks you for fish give it to him without fear, but, I insist, always cooked or in high-quality cans prepared for these animals, and only occasionally (for example, to celebrate their birthday 🙂).

As we have seen, fish is only toxic if it is abused. Otherwise, it can be used to make your friend happy.