Is it safe for my cat to eat human canned salmon as a temporary meal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Can I feed my cat canned salmon as a temporary meal?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 24th, 2015
I would advise against feeding many of these canned fish options meant for human consumption due to the extremely high sodium content. Cats do not do well with that much sodium in their diet. If there is no other option and it is going to be a ONE TIME thing, don't let your cat starve, but I wouldn't do it more than once.
14Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 11th, 2017
A small amount of the canned salmon meat should not cause any issues. However, you should make sure there are no bone pieces in the food. Also monitor Katrina for any vomiting of diarrhea as sometimes a change to a cats diet can cause GI upset. If Katrina typically has a sensitive stomach then I would avoid giving her any canned salmon. And please remember the majority of Katrina's diet should be a well balanced cat food (canned cat food is preferable to dry). Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
Can a house cat eat canned salmon thats not specifically for cats?
A small amount of the canned salmon meat should not cause any issues. However, you should make sure there are no bone pieces in the food. Also monitor Katrina for any vomiting of diarrhea as sometimes a change to a cats diet can cause GI upset. If Katrina typically has a sensitive stomach then I would avoid giving her any canned salmon. And please remember the majority of Katrina's diet should be a well balanced cat food (canned cat food is preferable to dry). Thanks for using Boop by Petco!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Is it safe to give canned salmon for humans to my persian kitten? (Instead of his morning meal of meat/fish) He is on royal canin dry food as well.
I would be very cautious about feeding any food in addition to kitten dry food as this upsets the nutritional balance of the diet and can lead to excess protein and lowered mineral intake and can affect growth and development. A teaspoonful a couple of days a week as a treat should be ok but I would not feed daily
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Is it okay to feed my cat "people" food?
People food is just that – food for people. Cats are obligate carnivores, and as such, have a delicate balance of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and vitamins and minerals that must be maintained. Cats should eat a balanced high quality diet in order to meet all of their nutritional needs. Unbalanced diets with vitamin/mineral imbalances risk a variety of health problems. Home cooked diets are not as commonly recommended, but are preferred by some cats and pet owners. If you opt to go down this road, a carefully crafted recipe by a specialist in veterinary nutrition should be used with proper vitamin and mineral supplementation. Even with a commercial diet, occasional treats of boiled white meat chicken, turkey, salmon, or tuna can be perfectly fine in small quantities.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Food & Nutrition
When I run out of cat food I give my cats either tuna in water or sardines in tomato sauce, whichever I happen to have on-hand. This happens about once every two months. Is there one of those I shouldn't give them? Or should I give them one over the
If your cats have not had any issues with either product then they are probably ok for a treat occasionally for your kitties. The sardines if they contain bones may pose a slight risk as occasionally we can see obstruction or damage to the esophagus or stomach due to bones. If the sardines in tomato sauce have garlic or onion in them, they would not be recommended. Neither food would be recommended as a sole diet however as they wouldn't be a complete and balanced diet for your kitty.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Food & Nutrition
I have been feeding my cat tuna and salmon along with dry food. Is that healthier for him than wet food?
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Boop by Petco. It is OK to feed Bandit tuna and salmon along with his dry food. It is not necessarily "healthier" than wet food. Most commercial cat diets, whether dry or canned/wet, are formulated to be balanced in the appropriate macro- and micronutrients that cats require as part of their daily nutrition. As long as Bandit is eating an appropriate amount of the dry commercial cat food (there should be feeding amounts based on weight on the bag), giving him extra food in the form of tuna and salmon is OK. Just be careful about giving him too many calories, as this can cause him to be overweight. Obesity in cats is linked to many disease processes such as arthritis, diabetes and liver disease. I recommend asking your veterinarian to help you determine the correct amounts of each food that you should be offering Bandit to keep him at a healthy weight. I hope this is helpful!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My cat food is over. And now in my country there are all shops are close for some political issues.all shall be open from 1st January. That's why i could not buy one. And previous days i use to feed her like give foods in her bowl... So that Whenever
Hello and welcome to Boop by Petco. You can feed your cat canned tuna, chicken, other meats (just cook them as you would for yourself), potatoes, carrots, pumpkin/squash. There are other foods as well. Avoid toxic foods (grapes, onions, garlic, raisins, chocolate) and very fatty foods, but just give a bit of your food. Spicy food should be avoided as well. Best of luck with your kitty!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Is smoke mackerel ok to feed my cat as a treat ?
A small amount is unlikely to do any harm, however it is probably too high in sodium to make a good treat for Lily. I'd also be concerned about mackerel causing vomiting or diarrhea. I'd suggest finding a cat specific treat made by Royal Canin or another pet food company as these will be less likely to cause GI distress. Thanks for using Boop by Petco!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Food & Nutrition
I don't plan on doing it often because she has her own treats, but what are some common foods and fruits that are safe for cats?
Naturally, a balanced commercial adult cat food should be the mainstay of Luna's diet, but we all enjoy a good treat now and then! Cats are carnivores, and most enjoy small amounts of cooked meat or fish, such as chicken, beef, tuna, or salmon on occasion. Fruits are not often a part of most cats' diets, but very small portions of bananas or apples (no seeds!) are acceptable infrequently. Many cats are actually lactose intolerant and can develop vomiting and/or diarrhea if they ingest too many dairy products, but some cats are able to tolerate very small pieces of cheese on rare occasions. When possible, try to stick with meats or commercial treats for Luna, as these are the least likely to cause any gastrointestinal upset. I hope this helps and that all goes well!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Ok so my cat jordan is not like usual cats ... she ll eat people food like chicken whatever you leave unattended... my question is it ok to feed her turkey ( meat , sausage) cooked and my second question is my other cat fluffy likes to eat chips ( as
Hello. Many cats develop a taste for human food, including unusual things like fruits, vegetables, & yes, chips. My cat goes nuts tor tortilla chips & bananas. But, they can be incredibly picky, too. You can feed cooked turkey, chicken & hamburger, but I would stay away from the sausage because of all the additional fats & salt it contains. A tiny taste is OK ( same with a tiny taste of the chips for your other cat ), & make sure they eat their regular cat food well. A treat now & then is fine. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Food & Nutrition
How often can cats eat tuna cat food? Is it something that should be fed once in a while not at all or is it ok to feed them it regularly?
If it's a complete and balanced cat food that contains tuna, that is fine to feed regularly. However, 100% tuna from a can (meant for human consumption) should only be given as a rare treat.
You're welcome to post another question with the specific type of cat food in question, if you're unsure whether what you have is considered "complete and balanced."
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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