As at OneHOWTO we want to help you take good care of your pet, in this article we are going to solve the following question: Can cats eat tuna?
Is tuna bad for cats?
It has always been heard that cats love to eat tuna and it is true because its smell and flavor enchant them and attracts them quickly. In addition, it is also common to see them eat fish when they live near rivers or the sea and this makes us think that it is a food that they love. But the fact that it is an easy and appetizing resource for many of them in nature does not mean that it is the best option to feed our pet.
Thus, the answer to the question: can cats eat tuna? the thing is cats can eat tuna sporadically, never daily. This is so because the fact that it is harmful or beneficial depends on several factors such as the type of tuna, the quantities, and the frequency with which we offer it. For this reason, tuna is good for cats if it is totally natural, the piece of fish with bones included, and as long as it is not the basis of their food, but is something sporadic or used as a reward.
But, indeed, tuna is bad for cats if it is given to them in formats not suitable for them to consume and, above all, if it is given to them daily. So, if you want to give this fish to your pet, you will have to know very well how and how often it is beneficial for them and in what way it is really harmful.
Can cats eat tuna?
The canned tuna for human consumption It is not suitable for cats to take on a regular basis. This is because it really does not provide them with many of the nutrients that are essential for cats. Therefore, a feline that only feeds on cans of this blue fish will suffer from malnutrition and secondary health problems will appear.
We must think that fish prepared for human consumption and canned have been cleaned and, therefore, stripped of bones, skin and viscera, lacking minerals and vitamins, such as iron and vitamin E, vital for cats. For this reason, it is unthinkable that a domestic feline feeds only on tuna for humans, although it can be given a little as a reward from time to time.
Health problems in cats that eat a lot of tuna
We have already commented that this oily fish, whether natural, canned for humans or for cats, should not be the basis of their diet because it would lack essential nutrients. But, in addition to the shortage of essential nutrients, this fish has a enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 or thiamin. Thus, the cats that regularly eat this food will probably develop a deficiency of this vitamin and many more problems derived from malnutrition. Between the main health problems that felines that eat a lot of blue fish can develop, we find the following:
- Polioencephalomalacia
- Avitaminosis
- lack of calcium
- Iron deficiency
- lack of sodium
- neurological deficits
- Loss of balance
- Feline steatitis or yellow fat disease
- mercury poisoning
We repeat that these are diseases and conditions that will occur in case of excessive consumption of this oily fish and depending on whether it is taken natural or canned. But, for example, if there is a serious deficiency of thiamine or vitamin B1, the feline can suffer neurological symptoms, lack of balance, seizures and even die. Therefore, it is essential to ensure through periodic analysis that our pet has a correct level of this vitamin. The lack of certain minerals and vitamins will occur in the event that the fish consumed by the feline is canned for human consumption, since many minerals are lost due to the lack of bones and skin.
In case of mercury poisoning, again, it will be caused if it is the food that the animal eats the most, in large quantities and on a regular basis. In addition, we must take into account that this fish contains high levels of mercury, especially canned albacore tuna for humans. This problem occurs because mercury is not eliminated from the body, but remains accumulated.
In case of symptoms of discomfort or changes in our furry, we must go immediately to the vet so you can review it and diagnose the health problem and its origin to offer the best treatment.
So can I give my cat tuna?
Thus, when in doubt about whether or not we can feed this fish to our pet, we must bear in mind everything that has been said. In short, yes, you can give tuna to a cat on certain occasions. It will always be better if this is bought fresh or canned for cats and, as long as it is so, if it is given from time to time it is beneficial.
As you can see It is not a totally prohibited food, but we must avoid giving him the preparation for humans and prevent it from being his main food. It is a good idea to use it to congratulate him for good behavior or to try to give him some medicine since it is true that most cats love it. Remember that to feed your cat well you must offer him a complete and quality feed and you can also give healthy homemade food for them.
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