Can cats eat fish (general)?
Last updated 2026-05-08 · Sourced from ASPCA & Merck Veterinary Manual
The short answer
Sometimes — with caution — cats should only have small amounts of fish (general). Cooked yes; daily tuna NO Various fish species commonly eaten by humans.
Remember: cats are obligate carnivores. They derive almost all their nutrition from animal protein, so even "safe" plant foods are treats — not staples.
Why be careful
Cats love fish but daily canned tuna can cause mercury accumulation and steatitis (yellow fat disease).
Symptoms to watch for
From mercury: tremors, vision issues. From thiamine deficiency in raw fish: neurological problems.
What every cat owner should know
- Cooked, occasional treat
- Don't feed canned tuna as a meal
- Specially formulated cat-friendly fish okay
What to do if your cat ate fish (general)
- Stay calm. Note how much was eaten and when.
- Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435.
- Or Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661.
- Do not induce vomiting in cats unless instructed by a vet — it's risky.
- Bring product packaging to the vet visit.
Kitten safety
Generally avoid feeding fish (general) to kittens. Their digestive systems are still developing and they're more sensitive to changes in diet, fat, sodium, and lactose than adults. If you've already given some, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy and contact your vet if any appear.
What to do if your cat ate fish (general)
- Note how much was eaten and when. A small amount is rarely an emergency, but a large quantity may need vet attention.
- Watch for symptoms over the next 12–24 hours: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in drinking/urination.
- Provide fresh water and skip the next meal if your pet seems unsettled — let their stomach calm down.
- Call your vet if symptoms appear or persist beyond 24 hours, or if the amount eaten was significant.
Better alternatives
If your cat likes fish (general), they may also enjoy these safe options: