Can Cats Eat Shrimp? Is Seafood Safe For Cats?

What Are the Benefits of Eating Shrimp?

Shrimp, not to be confused with prawns (the longer guys), are a seafood staple all across the globe! Don’t be fooled by their small size and cute pink or red color, though. These tiny sea creatures can shine as the main attraction! 

Not only are they scrumptious, but there are many reasons to add shrimp to your diet. Shrimp is a tasty provider of:

• vitamin B12;
• selenium;
• zinc;
• potassium.

It is also a low-calorie food, and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids (sounds too good to be true, right?). Boiled and grilled shrimp was even found to protect the liver in rats. 😻

Shrimply shrimptastic, huh? But can cats eat shrimp?

Do Cats Like Seafood?

Typically, cats love shrimp and other seafood. Why? Mostly because it’s meat. But other than that, shrimp has all the nutrients they need, and then some! Sadly, some types of seafood can actually be harmful to cats due to toxic substances like mercury. Yikes!

Mercury poisoning can cause serious damage to their nervous systems and overall health. However, don’t toss out the shrimp just yet! Lucky for us, shrimp is one of the lowest-mercury foods out there, making it a safe option for your kitty.

Can Cats Eat Shrimp Raw or Cooked?

Can cats eat shrimp raw? Or should you cook them beforehand? Well, some say raw is fine due to their strong stomach acids, but others worry about gastrointestinal (GI) infections. 

We are firm believers in “better to be safe than sorry.” Cook frozen shrimp before feeding your kitty to kill any bacteria, and don’t forget to remove the shells – they’re sharp and can hurt their tummies!

Caution ⚠️

You shouldn’t feed your cat canned shrimp, either. The preservatives in processed shrimp are often toxic to cats.

How to Prepare Shrimp for Cats?

If you want to treat your feline friend with some succulent shrimp, be sure to keep it safe and delicious. Boiled or steamed shrimp is paws down the safest option for your kitty’s tummy. (You can also bake it plain for an extra crunch.)

But beware, raw or undercooked shrimp may contain bacteria that can make your cat feel as sick as a hairball. And canned shrimp is a big no-no, as it contains way too much sodium. So, if you want your kitty to purr with joy, make sure you cook the shrimp thoroughly.

Shrimp Allergy

Hold the shrimp, please! Did you know that both humans and cats can be allergic to this seafood staple? 🙀

If your feline friend shows signs of shrimp sensitivity like itchy skin, sneezing, and watery eyes, it may be time to visit the vet. Be on the lookout for tummy troubles and stinky business, like vomiting or diarrhea, too.

But fear not, seafood-free cat parents! There are plenty of tasty options to keep your kitty healthy and happy. Chicken is a pawsome choice – it’s lean, low-cal, and packed with protein. Just remember, whatever protein source you choose, commercial cat food will provide all the nutrients your feline friend needs to thrive.

Verdict: Can Cats Eat Shrimp?

How about we wrap it up? Can cats eat shrimp? Yes! But hold your seahorses because you need to remember a few things.

First and foremost, cooked shrimp is generally safe for cats to consume. In fact, many of our feline friends love this tasty crustacean! However, if your kitty snubs their nose at the sight of shrimp, don’t force them to try it. It’s totally okay to let them stick to their other favorite foods, like those delicious salmon and tuna treats.

But here’s the catch, some cats may be allergic to shrimp. Also, watch out for those sneaky seasonings that can turn your purrfectly fine meal into a toxic disaster for your furry friend. 

Don’t forget, there are plenty of seafood options out there that your furry feline can enjoy! So, whether it’s grilled salmon or a can of cat food, your kitty will surely thank you for keeping their taste buds happy and their tummy satisfied!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens If a Cat Eats Shrimp?

One potential danger of a cat eating shrimp is that they may choke on the shell. Other than that, your cat should be perfectly fine. 

Is Shrimp Good for Cats to Eat?

Yes, it is. It can be the main source of protein, or an occasional snack.

How Much Shrimp Can Cats Eat?

The answer to this question is not definitively known, as there is little research on the matter. However, as a general rule, it’s advisable to feed cats no more than two or three small shrimp at a time.

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