Can cats eat Raw fish?
Caution. Raw fish contains an enzyme (thiaminase) that destroys vitamin B1, and can carry parasites or bacteria. Cooked fish is safer.
Key facts
- Verdict: Caution — some risk involved. See the detail below before giving raw fish to your cat.
- Category: Fish
If your cat has eaten raw fish
- No emergency for a small raw fish exposure.
- For repeated raw fish feeding causing symptoms, call your vet — thiamine deficiency is treatable if caught early.
What's the full picture?
Many raw fish — including herring, carp, and some shellfish — contain thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine). Regular feeding of raw fish can cause thiamine deficiency, leading to neurological signs such as poor coordination, seizures, and weakness.
Raw fish can also carry salmonella, listeria, and parasites. Sushi-grade fish is safer than general raw fish but still not recommended as a cat diet.
Cooking fish destroys thiaminase and kills pathogens — plain cooked cod, haddock, or salmon (no bones, no seasoning) is a safer treat.
Safer alternatives
- Plain cooked cod, haddock, or salmon (no bones, no seasoning)
We earn commission from some links below (Amazon Associates, Commission Junction, AWIN). This supports the site at no extra cost to you.
Safer fish options for cats
For prescription-strength flea, tick and wormer protection, Best Vet Care ships direct from licensed vets — no vet visit required. (affiliate link)
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat sushi?
A nibble won't hurt most cats, but don't make it a regular treat. Raw fish risks and rice add no value.
Is raw salmon safe?
Raw salmon carries parasite and bacterial risks. Cook it before giving any to a cat.
UK: For complete daily nutrition, Feline 40 is a cat supplement trusted by 2,600+ UK owners. (affiliate link)US: For premium treats, Granville Island Pet Treatery makes human-grade artisan treats — the premium choice for health-conscious cat owners. (affiliate link)
Recommended for cat owners
Related
Sources referenced for this guidance
- Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) — UK clinical toxicology reference used by vets
- International Cat Care — feline-specific clinical guidance
- BSAVA — British Small Animal Veterinary Association reference materials
- Merck Veterinary Manual — professional veterinary reference
About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published UK veterinary toxicology sources — International Cat Care, Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) references, RCVS-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for UK cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the What Can My Cat Eat? editorial team