Can cats eat smoked salmon? A Comprehensive Guide

Dec 11, 2024

We all know that sharing is caring, but when it comes to our beloved kitties, is it really best to let them have a bite of your smoked salmon canapé? While it’s tempting to share a treat with your furry friend, it’s important to understand the potential risks. Let’s explore whether smoked salmon is safe for cats and what alternatives might be better suited for their health.

Can Cats Eat Smoked Salmon?

The short answer is no—cats should not eat smoked salmon. While plain salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, smoked salmon introduces factors that make it unsuitable for cats. The high sodium content and the potential for harmful additives, preservatives, and food colourings mean it’s not the healthiest choice for your feline friend. That said, if your cat manages to sneak a small nibble, it’s unlikely to cause a significant reaction. However, you should monitor them closely and contact your vet if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Understanding a Cat’s Dietary Needs

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies require animal-based proteins to thrive. They depend on essential nutrients like taurine, vitamin A, and arachidonic acid, which they cannot synthesise (make) themselves. Fish like salmon are great for providing these nutrients, but it's important to consider how they're prepared. Foods high in salt, artificial additives, or unhealthy fats can upset their tummies and imbalance their gut bacteria, so stick to the plain stuff!

The Risks of Feeding Cats Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon might seem like a treat, but sadly for your kitty, it comes with several risks for cats:

High Sodium Levels Smoked salmon is cured with salt, which significantly increases its sodium content. Cats are highly sensitive to salt, and consuming too much can lead to dehydration, increased thirst, or even sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of salt toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors.
Additives and Preservatives Many smoked salmon products contain artificial preservatives, flavourings, or food colourings. Ingredients used to flavour the salmon like onion or garlic powder are particularly dangerous for cats, as they can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia.

Help! My Cat’s Eaten Smoked Salmon: What to Do

If your cat has eaten a small amount of smoked salmon, don’t panic. In most cases, a tiny taste won’t cause significant harm. Here’s what to do:

Monitor Your Cat: Keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or excessive thirst.
Provide Fresh Water: Encourage your cat to drink water to help flush out excess sodium.
Contact Your Vet: If you notice concerning symptoms or if your cat has consumed a large quantity, call your vet for advice. We provide a free veterinary 24/7 service for our customers, available via your account portal

Safer Salmon Alternatives for Cats

It's not all doom and gloom! There's plenty of other tasty options treat your cat to, that are healthy too:

Cooked Salmon - Plain, cooked salmon is a great choice for cats. Make sure it’s thoroughly cooked, deboned, and free of seasoning, butter, or oil.
Scrumbles Salmon Cat Food - Packed with 75% responsibly-sourced chicken and salmon, no added sugar, salt or artificial nonsense AND added pre, pro and postbiotics for belly bliss.

Scrumbles Salmon in Jelly Wet Cat Food - For kitties who like things a little moister, our salmon wet food is just the thing. Packed with succulent salmon providing and extra hydration to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Scrumbles Salmon Niblets - Have they been a good boi or girl? Well get them a bag a Niblets pronto! These gently air-dried treats are utterly irresistible, with additional gut-friendly prebiotics.

So there we have it...

While smoked salmon might seem like a tempting treat for your cat, it’s best avoided due to the risks associated with high sodium levels and harmful additives. If your cat does sneak a bite, monitor them closely and consult your vet if needed. To keep your feline friend happy and healthy, opt for safer alternatives like cooked salmon or premium cat foods like Scrumbles Salmon Wet or Dry Cat Food. By prioritising your cat’s health, you can ensure they enjoy delicious treats without any risks.