Limited

Can cats eat tuna?

Cats often love tuna, which is exactly why it needs limits. A small amount of plain tuna can be an occasional treat or topper, but tuna-only feeding causes nutrition problems, and some tuna brings more mercury than you want as a daily habit.

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

Updated Aug 1, 2026 Category Nutrition

Alternatives to tuna for cats

Tuna should stay occasional. These cat treat guides cover better everyday protein rewards.

Lickable cat treats

Fishy engagement without turning canned tuna into a daily bribe.

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High-protein cat treats

Protein rewards that fit a complete feeding plan better than tuna cans.

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Freeze-dried cat treats

Strong aroma toppers that portion more cleanly than leftover tuna.

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How much is okay?

Keep tuna to a tiny occasional portion of plain fish.

Kitten / small adult
½–1 teaspoon
Occasional only.
Typical adult
1–2 teaspoons
Plain, drained.
Large / big appetite
up to 1 tablespoon
Still not daily.

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

How to prepare them

  • Offer plain tuna in water when possible; drain well.
  • Do not feed tuna as the only food.
  • Skip seasoned, spicy, or onion-garlic tuna salads.

Risks & exceptions

  • Mercury makes frequent tuna a poor habit.
  • Tuna-only diets miss complete feline nutrition.

Tuna is a sometimes snack for cats—not a replacement for balanced cat food.

If they ate too many

Too much tuna can upset the stomach or encourage picky refusal of regular food.

  • Soft stool
  • Food refusal for regular meals

Call your vet / pet poison line if:

  • Ongoing vomiting
  • A very large amount eaten

FAQ

Can cats eat tuna every day?

No. Keep it occasional and rely on complete cat food.

Is canned tuna okay?

Plain tuna in water is the least-bad version. Still limit frequency.

Can kittens have tuna?

Ask your vet; kittens need complete growth diets, not tuna habits.

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