It’s common knowledge that cats love fish, but what about shrimp? As it turns out, this treat is technically safe for cats to eat, as long as you keep a few modifications in mind. We spoke with Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch's on-staff veterinarian, to learn how shrimp can impact a cat's health and the best way for them to eat it.
No, cats shouldn’t eat raw shrimp. "Shrimp should be cooked thoroughly without additional fat (oils, butter) or seasonings," Dr. McCullough says.
It's important to remove the shell and tails and devein the shrimp before sharing it with your cat. "Shrimp shells and tails may be hard for cats to digest and should be removed," Dr. McCullough adds.
Although shrimp is low fat and high in fatty acids, it's unlikely to significantly impact a cat's health when served as a treat, Dr. McCullough says.
Before you serve your cat cooked, unseasoned shrimp (with no tail or shell!), check with your veterinarian to make sure that's the right treat for your best friend. "The quantity of shrimp offered should be determined by a veterinarian. Too many can unbalance their diet and lead to illness," Dr. McCullough says.
Shrimp also may not be right for your cat if they’re on certain medications, according to Dr. McCullough. "Shrimp has high iodine content compared to other foods and may make it hard to get a cat with hyperthyroidism regulated on their medication."
According to Dr. McCullough, the likelihood of a cat being allergic to shrimp is low, but your vet will be able to determine if shrimp is safe for your specific pet.
If your cat has an adverse reaction to shrimp, Dr. McCullough says that it'll likely present as stomach problems, like diarrhea and vomiting — or they may experience itchy skin.
"If your cat is having a negative reaction after eating shrimp, you should contact their veterinarian as soon as possible," Dr. McCullough adds.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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