Why
Tuna is high in protein, and most cats love its smell and taste. That is part of the problem: cats will happily overeat it, and tuna packed for people is not a complete diet for a cat. PetMD's veterinary guide notes that human-grade tuna is deficient in vitamin E, and the Merck Veterinary Manual reports that cats given large quantities of canned tuna have developed vitamin E deficiency and pansteatitis, also called yellow fat disease.
There are other concerns. Tuna is relatively high in mercury, especially albacore, and it is calorie dense, so regular helpings contribute to weight gain. Some cats are also allergic to fish.
Cat foods made with tuna are a different matter. Commercial cat foods that are labeled complete and balanced are supplemented to meet a cat's needs. The concern is tuna from the human food aisle, not tuna-flavored cat food.
Risks to watch for
- Feeding it often, or using it in place of meals
- Tuna canned in oil, which adds fat and calories, or in brine, which adds salt
- Seasoned tuna and tuna salad, which may contain onion, garlic or mayonnaise
- Albacore (white) tuna, which is higher in mercury than light tuna
- Raw tuna and sushi, which can carry bacteria and parasites
- Signs of a fish allergy, such as itchy skin or stomach upset
How to share safely
- Choose plain tuna canned in water with no added salt, or fresh tuna cooked through with nothing added.
- Drain it well and flake it into small pieces.
- Offer a small spoonful on its own or as a topper on your cat's regular food.
- Wait until your cat is an adult. PetMD's veterinary guide advises no tuna treats before a cat is about a year old.
- Do not use tuna to replace meals, even for a cat that refuses its food. A cat that stops eating needs a vet check.
How much?
PetMD's veterinary guide suggests no more than about 1 tablespoon of plain, cooked human-grade tuna, once a week, for an adult cat. Less is fine.
What is yellow fat disease?
Pansteatitis, often called yellow fat disease, is inflammation of the body's fat tissue linked to a lack of vitamin E. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists it among the signs of vitamin E deficiency in cats and notes that it has occurred naturally in cats given large quantities of canned tuna. Affected cats may lose their appetite, become listless and be painful when touched on the belly, and their fat can develop firm lumps.
Complete commercial cat foods are formulated with enough vitamin E. The concern is a diet built around fish meant for people, not an occasional spoonful.
Is raw tuna or sashimi okay for cats?
It is safer to cook tuna before giving it to a cat. The Cornell Feline Health Center does not recommend raw meat as a food or treat for cats, because it can carry toxoplasmosis and other infections.
Raw fish raises a second issue. Some raw fish, particularly certain freshwater species, contain thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1), which cats need. Cooking destroys the enzyme, and the Merck Veterinary Manual notes that the heat of canning is enough to make commercial cat foods containing fish safe in this respect.
Tuna water and tuna-flavored cat food
Some owners pour a little water from a can of tuna packed in water over food to tempt a reluctant eater. Choose a can with no added salt, keep it to a small splash, and never use brine or oil. If your cat has stopped eating, see a vet rather than relying on tricks.
If your cat will only eat tuna-flavored cat food, check the label. It should say the food is complete and balanced for cats. Foods labeled for intermittent or supplemental feeding, or as complementary, are meant to be fed alongside a complete diet, not instead of one.
Common questions
Is tuna good for cats?
Only in limited ways. Tuna is high in protein, and most cats love its smell and taste. That is part of the problem: cats will happily overeat it, and tuna packed for people is not a complete diet for a cat.
Is tuna bad for cats?
It can be. Risks to watch for: feeding it often, or using it in place of meals; tuna canned in oil, which adds fat and calories, or in brine, which adds salt.
Are cats allowed to have tuna?
Only in small amounts and the right form. Choose plain tuna canned in water with no added salt, or fresh tuna cooked through with nothing added.
Can cats eat canned tuna every day?
Not canned tuna meant for people. Fed daily it unbalances the diet, and large amounts have been linked to vitamin E deficiency and yellow fat disease in cats. Keep human tuna to an occasional spoonful, or choose a complete cat food that contains tuna if your cat loves the flavor.
Can kittens eat tuna?
It is best to wait. Kittens need a carefully balanced diet while they grow, and PetMD's veterinary guide recommends holding off on tuna treats until a cat is at least a year old.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals.
- PetMD. Can Cats Eat Tuna? (Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- 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.