Why
Shrimp is not toxic to cats, and most cats are drawn to its smell. PetMD's veterinary guide describes it as a low-calorie, high-protein treat that supplies vitamin B12, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and choline. As a small extra for an obligate carnivore, it is a reasonable choice.
It is still only a treat. Shrimp does not provide the full range of nutrients a cat needs, and PetMD's guide recommends that cats get about 90% of their daily calories from a complete, balanced cat food, with treats such as shrimp making up less than 10%.
Portion size is easy to misjudge. A typical cat is much smaller than a person or most dogs, so a single shrimp is a large treat. The real risks come from how shrimp is prepared: raw shrimp, the hard shell and tail, and the butter, garlic and salt that often come with it.
What to watch out for
- Shells, tails, heads and legs, which can be a choking hazard or cause a blockage
- Raw shrimp, ceviche and sushi, which can carry bacteria
- Garlic butter, scampi and other garlicky dishes. Garlic is toxic to cats
- Fried, breaded or tempura shrimp, which add fat and calories
- Snack foods such as shrimp crackers, and sauces such as cocktail sauce
- Vomiting, diarrhea or belly discomfort after a first taste, a sign to stop
How to serve it
- Cook the shrimp thoroughly by boiling or steaming it with no salt, butter, oil or seasoning.
- Let it cool, then remove the shell, tail, head and legs.
- Cut the meat into small pieces.
- Start with a small taste and watch your cat over the next day for vomiting, diarrhea or signs of an upset stomach.
- Check with your vet first if your cat has a health condition, a food sensitivity or a prescription diet.
- Shrimp-flavored cat treats or a seafood cat food are simpler alternatives.
How much?
PetMD's veterinary guide suggests a small amount once or twice a week: about half of one shrimp per serving for a small cat, and up to one whole shrimp for a large cat such as a 15-pound (about 7 kg) Maine Coon.
Can cats eat shrimp shells or tails?
No. PetMD's veterinary guide points out that shells and tails offer almost no nutrition and can be a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage. Heads and legs are just as hard and sharp. Peel shrimp completely before sharing, and put the peelings straight into a covered bin, since the smell attracts cats.
If your cat swallows shells or a tail, call your vet for advice, especially if it gags, vomits, stops eating or seems uncomfortable.
Is raw shrimp safe for cats?
It is better to cook shrimp before giving it to a cat. PetMD's veterinary guide notes that raw shrimp can contain bacteria that cooking kills, and the Cornell Feline Health Center does not recommend raw meat as a food or treat for cats because of the risk of toxoplasmosis and other infections.
Raw seafood raises one more issue for cats. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1), among the problems with some raw freshwater fish and raw clams. Cooking destroys it, which is one more reason to serve any seafood cooked.
Shrimp dishes to keep away from your cat
Plain shrimp is rarely what ends up on the plate. Most shrimp dishes include ingredients that are unsafe or unsuitable for cats, and the Merck Veterinary Manual describes cats as the species most susceptible to onion and garlic poisoning. Do not share:
- Garlic shrimp, shrimp scampi and anything cooked in garlic butter
- Stir-fries, curries, fried rice and noodle dishes, which usually contain onion or garlic
- Fried, breaded, battered or coconut shrimp
- Shrimp cocktail with sauce, and shrimp in creamy or spicy sauces
- Shrimp crackers, chips and other salty snacks
Common questions
Is shrimp good for cats?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Shrimp is not toxic to cats, and most cats are drawn to its smell. PetMD's veterinary guide describes it as a low-calorie, high-protein treat that supplies vitamin B12, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and choline.
Is shrimp bad for cats?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: shells, tails, heads and legs, which can be a choking hazard or cause a blockage.
Are cats allowed to have shrimp?
Yes. Cook the shrimp thoroughly by boiling or steaming it with no salt, butter, oil or seasoning.
Can cats eat frozen or precooked shrimp?
Yes, if the shrimp is plain. Check the ingredient list, because some products are seasoned or salted. Thaw it, remove any shell and tail, and cut it into small pieces. If it is labeled raw, cook it through first.
Can I give my cat shrimp every day?
It is better not to. PetMD's veterinary guide recommends shrimp once or twice a week at most, in small portions, so that your cat's complete food still supplies nearly all of its calories.
Sources
- PetMD. Can Cats Eat Shrimp? (Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
If your cat has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or an animal poison control service right away, even if your cat seems fine. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.