What are the symptoms of Raw Fish poisoning in cats?

loss of appetite, vomiting, seizures, loss of coordination (ataxia), head tilt, abnormal eye movements

Raw Fish

Q: Can cats eat Raw Fish?

Toxic: Never — thiaminase destroys vitamin B1, causing deficiency. 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. Source: ASPCA.

Toxic

Verdict

Never — thiaminase destroys vitamin B1, causing deficiency.

Toxic principle: thiaminase (destroys vitamin B1)

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-06-12

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
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

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.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 aspca.org