Cats can have canned tuna as an occasional treat, but it must be plain and packed in water, not oil, and without any spices or flavorings. It is best to avoid certain types like albacore, which contain higher mercury levels. Tuna should not be a regular part of a cat’s diet due to nutritional imbalances, the risk of mercury poisoning, and potential health problems like inflammation of fat and muscles. Kittens should not be fed tuna as it could affect their growth and expose them to toxins. The general recommendation is to give no more than a tablespoon of plain, cooked human-grade tuna once a week. Cats are naturally attracted to tuna's smell and flavor, but feeding it too frequently or in large amounts can lead to serious health issues. Tuna lacks the balanced nutrients cats require, and excessive intake can cause deficiencies or excesses harmful to cats’ health. Feeding commercially prepared cat foods designed to include tuna as a supplement is safer than giving regular canned tuna meant for humans. In summary: canned tuna in water, with no added flavorings, is safe as an occasional treat for adult cats only, while avoiding overfeeding to prevent adverse effects.
