It’s common knowledge that most felines are particularly fond of fish. Many owners try their best to incorporate it into their cat’s diet. But what about the bones?
Give this article a read to get an answer to your question, “Can cats eat sardines with bones?” and identify other delicious alternatives you can add to your feline’s diet to enhance its nutritional value. So, here we go!
So, Can Cats Eat Sardines?
In short, yes. Sardines with bones can usually be eaten by cats. This is because sardine bones are way more minuscule, softer, and therefore, less of a choking hazard than other fish bones. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t supervise them at all.
Make sure to watch them while they eat. If your cat struggles to eat while they’re being watched, inspect their food before you give it to them. Meticulously separate the bones from the fish in case you’re reluctant to leave it to chance.
Why Should You Feed Sardines to Your Cat?
Upon glancing at your cat, feeling gleeful at the mere sight of a bowlful of fish, you might wonder whether it’s beneficial for them to consume it in the first place.
Although feeding cats fresh sardines is encouraged, canned fish is fine, too. Here are some of the important nutrients found in sardines:
Essential Amino Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamin D
Taurine
Protein
Calcium
Due to this, a diet that constitutes abundant amounts of fish can have several health benefits for your kitty.
It promotes better heart joint, skin, and heart health alongside helping you strengthen their immune systems, and alleviate excessive amounts of pain, discomfort, and inflammation.
Moreover, the wet and moist nature of this makes it preferred over cat food and kibble that’s usually dry and difficult to chew. What’s more, these treats can also cause or worsen kidney problems in cats, which is why it’s best to stay away from them entirely.
Which Canned Sardine Variation Should I Pick?
There’s an eclectic spread of sardines in tomato sauces and oils available in the market. But which one’s best for your beloved feline?
Normally, you should refrain from feeding them canned sardines in corn, sunflower, or any other Omega-6-rich oils. Most sardine companies sell fish packed in water that’s infused with sodium due to its high salt content. Encouraging your cat to eat this wouldn’t be a good idea either.
Therefore, it’s best to give your cat plain sardines packed in unsalted water.
What Happens If Your Feline Eats Too Many Sardines?
Despite its innumerable health benefits, it goes without saying that consuming many sardines can do more harm than good to your cat. But what could these concerns even be?
In this section, I’ll explain these problems and suggest ways you can rectify or avoid them entirely.
It Could Cause an Upset Stomach and Diarrhea
Cats normally have weaker digestive systems, which makes them unable to process large quantities of food. If your cat eats too much fish at once, they might feel a little queasy, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and an upset stomach.
The pain this causes them could range from mild to unbearable. Therefore, you should observe your kitty’s body language, determine how much pain they’re incurring, and take them to the vet if required.
It Could Lead to Mercury Poisoning
Mercury can be poisonous to both humans and animals. If your cat eats too much fish, they could be at risk of being poisoned. This is because sardines contain decent amounts of mercury.
If your cat has ingested mercury, they could be prone to multiple health concerns, including blindness, ataxia, incoordination, tremors, or unusual and uncontrollable behavior.
To avoid this, keep their fish consumption in moderation. This will also enable you to add more nutritious components to their diet, making it so much more efficacious to their overall health.
Remember to Visit The Vet If Things Go Awry
If your cat exhibits odd behavior or any symptoms that could indicate any of these issues, seek veterinary attention immediately.
They should help identify any problems your cats might have and advise you about what your next course of action should be.
Wrapping it Up: Canned Fish Is Absolutely Safe For Cats!
And on that note, we can finally conclude this guide to feeding your cat sardines. Remember, if you want to introduce your grown up kitten to any new food, follow a methodical approach and let them get accustomed to it at their own pace. Again, there’s no guarantee that your cat will be fond of the fish. Sardines may appeal to certain cats but not to others. So be wary of this whenever you’re giving them these fishy treats.
Oh, and keep in touch with your veterinarian and pay them a visit if anything goes south. Ultimately, you should feed your cat a balanced diet constituting fresh food like meat and high-quality commercial cat food. This should help you improve their health and well-being leading to a happier and trouble-free life.
