Plain, well-cooked salmon is excellent for cats, but smoked salmon is a whole different story. Although its strong smell makes it irresistible to our felines, it is not recommended to give them any.
The health risks of smoked salmon for your cat
The preparation of smoked salmon involves several processes that make it unsuitable for a feline diet:
- High salt content: Smoked salmon is generally very salty. Excessive salt consumption can lead to dehydration or even sodium poisoning in cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or seizures.
- The smoking process: The substances used to smoke the fish are not recommended for cats to consume.
- Risk of bacteria: Cold-smoked salmon is not cooked at high temperatures, which means it may still contain dangerous bacteria or parasites.
- Presence of additives: Some commercially available smoked salmon contains preservatives or artificial flavors that are not suited to the feline digestive system.
What should I do if my cat ate smoked salmon?
If your cat stole a tiny piece of smoked salmon, there is generally no need to panic. Simply monitor them to ensure they don’t show any signs of digestive upset or excessive thirst. Always leave a bowl of fresh water available.
On the other hand, if they have ingested a large amount, it is best to contact your vet quickly to avoid any risk of salt poisoning.
What is a healthy alternative for your cat?
If you want to treat your cat to some fish, opt for fresh, unseasoned, and thoroughly cooked salmon (boiled or steamed). You can also offer them salmon-based treats specifically designed for cats.