Cats can eat tuna, but only in moderation and as an occasional treat, not as a regular or primary part of their diet. Tuna is safe if it is plain, cooked, and unseasoned, preferably canned tuna packed in water rather than oil. However, feeding too much tuna can lead to health issues like mercury toxicity, vitamin deficiencies, and obesity. Kittens should not be fed tuna until they are at least one year old. Tuna specifically formulated for cats is nutritionally balanced and safer for more regular feeding, unlike human-grade tuna which is deficient in some vitamins for cats. Key points include:
- Tuna is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for cats.
- Too much tuna risks mercury poisoning, vitamin E deficiency, and diseases such as pansteatitis.
- Canned tuna should be free of added oils and seasonings.
- Limit tuna to about 1 tablespoon per week for adult cats.
- Raw tuna is not safe due to bacteria and thiaminase enzyme risks.
- Kittens should avoid tuna due to nutritional sensitivity.
- Tuna should never replace a balanced feline diet.
Therefore, tuna can be given safely but sparingly and not as a staple food for cats.
