Meat & Fish
Can cats eat tuna?
Tuna should only be an occasional treat for cats: it accumulates mercury over time and raw or tuna-heavy diets are linked to thiamine deficiency.
Toxic principle: Mercury bioaccumulation; thiaminase enzyme depleting vitamin B1 when tuna is a dietary staple
Watch for
- Chronic mercury toxicity: hind-leg weakness, tremors, incoordination, in severe cases blindness or seizures
- Thiamine deficiency: appetite loss, neurological signs
Frequently asked questions
Can cats eat tuna?
Tuna should only be an occasional treat for cats: it accumulates mercury over time and raw or tuna-heavy diets are linked to thiamine deficiency.
Is tuna safe for every cat?
Not necessarily. Tuna should only be an occasional treat for cats: it accumulates mercury over time and raw or tuna-heavy diets are linked to thiamine deficiency. Ask your veterinarian first if your cat has an existing health condition or you are unsure.
What symptoms should I watch for with tuna and cats?
Chronic mercury toxicity: hind-leg weakness, tremors, incoordination, in severe cases blindness or seizures, Thiamine deficiency: appetite loss, neurological signs. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
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