Have you ever wondered or gotten distracted by the query of whether can cats eat shrimp? As pet owners, many of us don’t know whether our feline friends like shrimps or whether they are healthy for them.
Cats are carnivorous creatures and like seafood, but before feeding them shrimps, you must understand the facts related to shrimps in feline’s tasty treat.
In this article, we will try to figure out the ins and out of cats and shrimps, including its benefits in cat life and the risk of feeding your feline with this seafood. So, never miss this post to check how shrimp affect your cat.
Can Cats Eat Shrimp
It is a big yes to your question. Shrimps can be in cat foods. Your feline friend loves to eat shrimp because they love the soft texture, smell, and flavor. They enjoy it as a healthy snack and want it to be served on their dinner plate.
According to some vets, shrimp is healthy for cats; the reason of being a good source of protein, selenium, choline, iodine, Vitamin B12, and phosphorous. However, there are some other benefits of shrimps in cat’s life. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Benefits of Shrimps in Cat’s Life
Here are some ways that shrimps benefited your feline life.
Low calories
Shrimp is a low-calorie fish food. You will be surprised that it has only 84 calories in a 3-ounce serving. It is a good option for overweight cats for weight loss management. In addition, your cat also gets some minerals and vitamins that are essential for its brain and immune system development.
Act as antioxidant
Shrimps eat a lot of algae, and you will find astaxanthin in algae that make shrimp appear reddish and act as an antioxidant for cats. Astaxanthin has great antioxidant activity. It also offers protection at the cellular level and prevents free radicals from damaging your cat’s body cells.
Other nutrients
It is not only a tasty food you can serve your cat, but it also helps you maintain your feline friend's health. It also provides other essential nutrients, including B12, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. All these nutrients are very helpful in maintaining the health of your cat. It helps in the development of the musculoskeletal system as well.
Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, veterinary consultant at We Love Doodles, has something to say about the query.
“Cats can certainly eat shrimp, but you should keep in mind that the shrimp should always be cooked beforehand and fed to them in moderation. Let's say you're making a delicious lemon garlic shrimp pasta at home, and the fishy scent of shrimp has your cat wandering around the kitchen looking for a bite.
Well, feel free to give your kitten a small shrimp sample, as they're quite tasty and highly beneficial for your cat since they contain many different proteins, nutrients, and antioxidants.
However, as mentioned before, make sure you cook the shrimp first (without any oils or seasonings) since raw shrimp usually contains all sorts of bacteria that could cause a stomachache or other health problems for your feline friend, especially if consumed in large quantities.”
Check this video to know can cats eat shrimps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-TiSl7SM1Y&pp=ygUTY2FuIGNhdHMgZWF0IHNocmltcA%3D%3D
Disadvantages of shrimp for cat
Can cats eat shrimp? This question should be asked concerning the potential harm associated with it. Shrimps are safe for cats to eat, but shrimp have some disadvantages. I wrote a few cons of feeding shrimps to cats below:
Bacteria
Cats love to eat raw shrimp because they love fresh meat, but fresh meat contains a bacterium known as vibrio. It causes health problems such as cholera and gastritis. According to one study, there are at least 100 different strains of vibrio, and they sometimes develop some form of resistance to antibiotics.
Paula Simons, a Veterinary Advisor of Dog Nerdz, seconds our thoughts by saying
“Cats are lovers of all things seafood. That being said, not all creatures of the sea are suitable for cats. When it comes to shrimp, cats absolutely go wild for these tasty critters. They can tolerate eating raw shrimp, but it is best to cook the peeled shrimp before offering it as a snack. Shrimp can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can make cats sick if eaten uncooked. Shrimp should always be offered in moderation as large quantities may lead to an upset stomach.”
Potential Allergies
Some cats develop allergies like humans when they eat a certain food, and shrimp is one of them. They have gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, diarrhea, or other allergic reactions when they consume shrimp. So you have to monitor your cat, and if you find any signs, immediately take them to the vet.
Contaminants
Shrimp contain certain contaminants such as mercury or antibiotics. If your fish consume it in large quantities, it will accumulate in the cat's body and create certain types of health problems.
Digestive problems
Shrimps can be difficult to digest because of their tough shells. Cats are not active hunters of crustaceans; therefore, their digestive system cannot handle shrimps very well, and the problem of indigestion prevails in their stomachs. The most common gastrointestinal issues include constipation and obstruction.
How Can You Give Shrimps To Your Cat?
Holly Anne Dustin, the content editor at Life And Cats, shares the say with us,
“Shrimp is an ingredient in commercial cat food. Freeze-dried shrimp treats are marketed for cats. My Persian goes nuts for them.
Assuming Kitty isn’t allergic, you can safely share shrimp with your kitty as a fun treat. It’s all about how it is prepared. It’s best if you cook it yourself rather than buying a preprocessed product that is full of salt, spices, and preservatives. Clean the shrimp as you do for yourself. Kitty can’t eat the digestive tract of the shrimp, either.
Set his share aside before adding the spices, salt, and pepper. He doesn’t need the excessive oil or butter we like on our shrimp. But plain shrimp will please Kitty. Shrimp should be an occasional treat, not a dietary staple. It doesn’t meet all of Kitty’s nutritional requirements.”
Also read: Does a hungry cat meow all night?
How often does a cat eat shrimp?
It is best advised to serve your cat an adequate amount of shrimp. The limit does not exceed more than twice a week. Remember, if you are feeding your cat shrimp for the first time, then keep an eye on the cat's behavior to avoid critical situations.
According to Dr Dwight Alleyne, DVM and veterinarian advisor at Better Pet
“Cats can eat shrimp as long as it is served under certain conditions. Cats should not be fed raw shrimp. When feeding shrimp to cats, it should be in moderation because it can be high in sodium. The shrimp should not be cooked with any potentially toxic ingredients, such as garlic or onions. Also, all shrimp should be de-shelled to prevent the cat from choking.”
ClaudiaMonteas, the owner of Pets Nurturing, exclusively tells BeingVets.
“Shrimps can be given to cats in moderate amounts and can be safe for them to eat. But it's essential to keep in mind that not all cats can tolerate shrimps well. Some cats may have allergies to shrimps or might have digestive problems after eating them. So, it's crucial to introduce shrimps gradually and in small quantities to observe your cat's response, just like with any new food.”
FAQ
Is raw shrimp safe for cat?
No, raw shrimps are not safe. The best option is fresh wild-caught shrimp cooked without seasoning and oil.
Can cat allergic to shrimp?
The cat might be allergic to shrimp, so keep checking on your cat when you first feed it.
Can cat eats raw frozen shrimp?
A cat can eat fresh or frozen shrimp, but you should cook it before your feline friend eats it.
Is cooked shrimp good for cats?
Yes, cooked shrimps without any seasoning and oil are good for cats.
Can cat eat shrimp shells?
No, it is tough for a cat to eat shrimp shells, which are hard and create indigestion.
Conclusion
Can cats eat shrimp? We conclude that cats can eat shrimp but with moderation and if shrimps are fully cooked. Remember to avoid using onion and garlic, which can be harmful to cats. The best advice from my side is to ask your veterinarian before introducing shrimps to your cat. I hope this article will help to solve your query and you can make a good and healthy meal for your feline friend.