Raw Fish
Verdict
Never — thiaminase destroys vitamin B1, causing deficiency.
If your cat ate this
Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.
- 1. Call your veterinarian immediately
- 2. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- 3. Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (consultation fee applies)
A consultation fee may apply for poison control hotlines.
Verdict
Raw fish (especially freshwater fish) contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1). Cats are obligate carnivores that depend on dietary thiamine for neurological function. Chronic consumption of raw fish leads to thiamine deficiency, causing seizures, loss of coordination, and potentially irreversible brain damage. Raw fish also carries Salmonella and other bacterial risks. Cooked fish is safe; raw is not.
Symptoms to watch for
- • loss of appetite
- • vomiting
- • seizures
- • loss of coordination (ataxia)
- • head tilt
- • abnormal eye movements
What to do
If your cat regularly eats raw fish, contact your vet about thiamine supplementation. For a single exposure, monitor for symptoms and transition to cooked fish. Never feed raw freshwater fish to cats.
📞 US ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
Related foods
Canned Tuna (in excess)
CautionOccasionally OK — but not as a regular diet.
Fish & SeafoodTuna
CautionOccasionally OK — mercury risk with regular feeding.
Fish & SeafoodSalmon
SafeYes (cooked only) — do not feed raw salmon.
Fish & SeafoodShrimp
SafeYes (fully cooked, peeled) — a healthy lean protein.
Fish & Seafood