Skip raw

Can cats eat raw fish?

Cats should not eat raw fish as a treat. Raw fish can carry parasites and enzymes that break down thiamine, and bones in whole fish add injury risk. Plain cooked fish is the safer occasional format.

Not medical advice — general pet-safety info only. Confirm with your vet before changing your cat’s diet.

Updated Aug 8, 2026 Category Nutrition

Alternatives to raw fish for cats

Leave sashimi for people. These fish cat treats cover the craving.

Fish cat treats

Fish-flavor cat treats without raw parasite risk.

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Freeze-dried salmon cat treats

Salmon crunch made for cats, not sushi leftovers.

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Salmon cat treats

Salmon rewards that skip the raw fillet.

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How much is okay?

Do not serve raw fish. Redirect to cooked plain fish or cat fish treats.

Kitten / small adult
None
Keep it tiny and occasional.
Typical adult
None
Plain preparation only.
Large / big appetite
None
Still an extra, not a meal.

Rule of thumb: treats of all kinds should stay under ~10% of daily calories.

How to prepare them

  • Skip sushi leftovers and bait-shop scraps.
  • Cook fish fully and remove all bones if you offer any.
  • Keep raw prep surfaces away from curious cats.

Risks & exceptions

  • Parasites and bacteria are more likely in raw fish.
  • Thiaminase in some raw fish can deplete vitamin B1 over time.
  • Bones injure mouths and guts.

Raw fish is a skip — cook it plain or use cat fish treats.

If they ate too many

If they ate more than intended, watch for stomach upset and changes in behavior.

  • Soft stool
  • Mild vomiting

Call your vet / pet poison line if:

  • Bone stuck or choking
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Eating a large raw portion

FAQ

Can cats eat sushi?

No. Raw fish, rice, sauces, and seasonings make sushi a poor cat snack.

Is raw salmon okay?

Skip raw — see our raw salmon page; cook plain if offering any.

Can cats eat cooked fish?

Yes in tiny plain portions — see salmon, tuna, or sardines pages.

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from product links. Safety guidance is editorial and may change — verify with your veterinarian for your cat.