Tuna
CautionVerdict
Occasionally OK — mercury risk with regular feeding.
Toxic principle: mercury (chronic)
Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-06-12
Verdict
Fresh or canned tuna in small amounts is generally safe for cats, but tuna is a large predatory fish with higher mercury concentrations. Regular feeding can lead to mercury accumulation. Tuna also lacks certain nutrients cats need (taurine, vitamin E) when fed as a primary food. Occasional small portions are fine; daily feeding is not.
Symptoms to watch for
- • mercury poisoning (chronic): hair loss, loss of coordination, kidney damage
- • steatitis from vitamin E deficiency
What to do
Small amounts as an occasional treat are fine. Do not make tuna a regular part of the diet. Choose tuna packed in water with no added salt.
Related foods
Raw Fish
ToxicNever — thiaminase destroys vitamin B1, causing deficiency.
Fish & SeafoodCanned Tuna (in excess)
CautionOccasionally OK — but not as a regular diet.
Fish & SeafoodSalmon
SafeYes (cooked only) — do not feed raw salmon.
Fish & SeafoodShrimp
SafeYes (fully cooked, peeled) — a healthy lean protein.
Fish & Seafood