Can Cats Eat Smoked Salmon?

In the wild cats are known for eating fish. Big cats such as tigers and leopards will hunt for fish in shallow water such as streams. Feral cats have even been known to eat fish from their local ponds and other shallow bodies of water. The type of fish that they hunt includes salmon. With that being said, can domesticated cats eat fish? Can cats eat smoked salmon? 

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Can Cats Eat Smoked Salmon?

Fish aren’t exactly a necessary component of the diet of cats, with the exception of a few wild species. Salmon and smoked salmon have two completely different compositions solely based on how they are prepared. Additionally, it is considered to be a really healthy food for the consumption of people, but does that also hold true for our kitty friends as well? Fish are packed with many vitamins and minerals that can be really helpful. 


With that being said smoked salmon may not be the healthiest thing for your cat to eat. In fact, we would warn against it. Can cats eat smoked salmon? We would say no. Smoked salmon is prepared with a lot of salt. The excessive amount of sodium can be really dangerous to your cat. Excessive sodium or salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning in your cat. Signs of too much salt inhalation include:

• Depression
• Tremors
• Excessive thirst
• Dehydration
• Seizures
• Elevated body temperature

Can Cats Eat Smoked Salmon; Raw Salmon

You should also avoid feeding your cat raw salmon. Many different cats can eat raw fish in the wild and that is because of their genetics. Domesticated house cats cannot eat raw fish. Especially since raw fish can contain salmonella and E. Coli. It can also lead to food poisoning, with the risk of mercury poisoning. Symptoms of salmonellosis can include:

• Vomiting 
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Shock
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy

 Raw food and fish can also contain parasites that can harm your cat’s intestines.

Can I Feed My Cat Canned Salmon?

Just like smoked salmon, canned salmon can contain too much salt for your cat. The increased sodium levels can lead to many unwanted harmful side effects or symptoms to your cat. Cats only need around 20 milligrams of salt in their diet a day, and canned salmon can have increased levels of salt. It would be much safer to look for a salmon flavored cat food options that they can enjoy if they just must have the taste. 

Risks of Thiamine Deficiency

 Raw fish also has thiamine destroying enzymes. Thiamine deficiency can be really harmful to your cat as it is necessary for them. Cats require three times as much thiamine as dogs. It is important for many organs in the body to have thiamine, this includes the brain as well. Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is necessary for your cat’s carbohydrate metabolism. Signs of thiamine deficiency include:

• Falling
• Circling
• Dilated pupils
• Incoordination 

Benefits of Cooked Salmon

If you would like to feed your kitty any salmon at all, it should be completely cooked. In addition to this, it should also be completely free of any oils, or extra salts. Although salmon may not be a dietary need in your cat’s diet, it can still be a tasty substitution to their favorites. There is actually an immense amount of protein in salmon. It is packed full of potassium, vitamins B12 & 6, and Omega 3 fatty acids. All of this together can help fight Anemia, help curb obesity and contribute to your cat’s shiny coat all at the same time. 

In conclusion

Smoked salmon is not the safest thing for your cat to eat on the market. You can opt for a salmon flavored substitution or even eggs if you would like to give your cat something out of the norm. Although there can be many health benefits to salmon, there are also many things that can harm your cat inside of salmon. Furthermore, salmon is best served fully cooked, and free of any added preservatives or oils. Fish is not a necessary component of your cat’s diet. If you would like to feed your cat salmon, it shouldn’t be smoked, canned, or raw. It also should be every blue moon.