Hey! Has there ever been a time when you brought mackerel home and your cat started behaving oddly around you? This probably makes you wonder, Can cats eat mackerels?
In this article, we will discover the pros and cons of giving mackerel to your cat.
Is it Safe to Give Your Cat Mackerels? Why is it A perfect Treat?
The answer is yes, as you might have seen these fellows jumping on the sight of any fish. You may consider mackerel one of them. Cats love to fish even though it’s not their primary food source in the wild.
Mackerel is good for your cat as it is packed with nutritional benefits. It is a source of vitamins B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids.
They also contain nutrients such as taurine, selenium, and calcium. These are nutritionally beneficial and can be considered good sources of protein and fats.
Health Benefits of Mackerel
Mackerel can provide a range of health benefits to your cat as it contains all the essential vitamins.
It is high in protein, which cats need to survive; it also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help their skin and coat look healthy and improve their vision.
Vitamin D helps regulate calcium, keeping your feline friend’s bones strong. Mackerel also contains selenium, an antioxidant that prevents cell damage and minimizes cancer risk.
It has taurine, which benefits your cat’s eyes, brain, and heart health.
Can cats eat canned mackerel?
Cats can eat canned mackerels, but before feeding it to your cat, ensure no harmful food preservation or artificial flavor is present in large quantities.
You may wonder which canned mackerel is better for your cat: oil mackerel or water mackerel. Water mackerel is the most recommended feed for your cat, as too much oil can harm your cat.
Cooked Mackerel
Raw fish contains thiaminase, which, if eaten in large quantities, can cause thiamine deficiency. It also contains parasites. Give your cat cooked or boiled fish, not smoked or cured mackerel, as it may be high in sodium.
Mercury Poisoning
Mackerel is low in mercury, but feeding your cat King Mackerel, which has high mercury levels, can cause mercury poisoning in your cat,
This could lead to the following symptoms: diarrhea, coagulation problems, and vitamin A (toxicity leading to liver failure).
Other Fishes
You can also give your cat other types of fish, such as anchovies, salmon, tuna, and sardines.
Fish like tilefish, King Mackerel, and swordfish cannot be given to cats as they may build up a higher mercury level over time.
Make sure the fish does not have complex or sharp scales to prevent your cat from choking.
Snack Time Verdict
You can feed mackerel to your cat in moderation as a treat, not a whole meal. It doesn’t have all the essential nutrients, and if given daily with cat food, it can be harmful to cats. It is best to consult your cat’s vet before deciding on its portion, as it may differ according to size and age.
