Sushi is one of the popular food and is liked by many people. As cats can eat fish, probably you are wondering, Can cats eat sushi? Is it safe for them?
When it comes to the answer, it’s better to avoid sushi for cats. Although, you can feed sushi in small amounts to felines. However, a few things must be considered before making it a part of your feline’s diet.
This food is safe for humans, but in the case of cats, it can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Sushi also causes thiamine deficiency in cats resulting in many neurological problems.
If you are curious to know more about, Can cats eat sushi? This blog post will help you a lot. So, let’s begin.
Should You Feed Your Cat Sushi?
Can cats eat sushi? Should you feed your cat some sushi? The answer is no; it’s better to avoid letting your cat consume this food.
If you want your cat to try some part of it, serve them only a small piece of sushi. Also, it’s essential to ensure it doesn’t contain any wasabi.
In addition, there are some safe forms of sushi that are suitable for your feline friends. So, it’s better to ask your vet about the ingredients first.
Is Sushi Bad For Cats?
Let us answer this question for you, Can cats eat sushi? Is it bad for felines? So, it’s essential to know that raw fish found in sushi can cause various health problems. These include:
Allergies
It may be surprising to hear, but felines are pretty sensitive to particular types of fish. That’s why many gastrointestinal problems can occur in cats causing diarrhea and vomiting.
Some common symptoms of allergies include itchy skin and inflammation. Unfortunately, itchy skin can cause excessive grooming and hair loss as well.
Parasites
Further, various parasites might be present in uncooked fish. These parasites are pretty harmful to pets to consume. Your felines might become attracted to the scent of raw fish; however, it can be hazardous.
Mercury
Moreover, raw fish also contain heavy metals like mercury. These metals can be quite harmful to feline’s brain, kidneys, and lungs. Larger fish present a high risk as it contains more mercury.
Ethoxyquin
Ethoxyquin found in raw fish is harmful to cats as well as humans. Besides, this chemical compound triggers some allergies.
It also affects feline’s kidneys and heart badly and can cause arthritis. Although this chemical is no longer used, it is still found in the environment.
Food for Cats: Did You Know?
Felines are not actually picky eaters as one might think. Therefore, we have looked at several different foods and tell you if it’s safe for your cat to eat or not. Like this one: Can Cats Eat Goldfish crackers?
PCB
PCBs are found in high amounts in different fish. These industrial compounds are formed by polymers, lubricants, and electrical transformers. These compounds reached the fish through the water system.
PCBs lead to the risk of developing different cancers and are harmful to a developing fetus. Therefore, giving farmed fish to felines is not recommended because they contain a high amount of these compounds.
Is Sushi Good For Cats?
Can cats eat sushi? Is it good for felines? No doubt, sushi provides some benefits to felines. This food is rich in protein essential for energy and muscle growth.
Your pet requires 50 grams of protein in its diet. Therefore, offering them a bit more as a treat can be helpful.
Can Cats Eat Cooked Sushi?
No, you shouldn’t give your cat even cooked sushi. Along with the fish, there are several harmful substances present in sushi.
One of the major problems regarding sushi for felines is uncooked seafood. Such food contains an enzyme, thiamin, for the breakdown of thiamine.
Thiamine is essential for cats, and its deficiency can lead to several complications. Another problem is that cats are sensitive to the variety of fish.
In the case of seafood allergy in felines, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes are some common symptoms.
Can Cats Eat Sushi Rice?
One of the essential components of Japanese cuisine is sushi rice. Consuming sushi rice leads to obesity, diabetes, and heart problems in cats.
Furthermore, rice being a carbohydrate, is difficult for cats to digest. Excessive carbohydrates can make your cat overweight. So, it’s better to avoid sushi rice for felines.
What Are the Safe Options For Cats?
To make sushi safe for cats to consume, the following ingredients are essential:
Shrimp
Shrimp is a safe seafood alternative for cats to consume, whether raw or cooked. It has a fantastic texture, is non-toxic, and offers nutritional benefits to cats.
Avocado
Avocado is safe for cats to eat. Make sure to remove the fruit’s bark and pit to avoid any problems for felines.
Seaweed
Seaweed is commonly used in making sushi. Because it’s small amount is not harmful to your cat.
Cucumber
Another essential ingredient of sushi is cucumber. It is rich in nutrients, vitamins, and water content and is safe for cats to consume.
Final Thoughts
Can cats eat sushi? Although they can, it’s better to avoid sushi to remain on the safe side. It can cause allergies and mercury poisoning in felines.
Cucumber, seaweed, avocado, and shrimp are healthy components of sushi that benefit cats. However, keeping sushi out of your pet’s approach is recommended.
