You might have seen cats obsessed with eating fish in stories and books. But why do cats like fish this much? Well, not all cats love eating fish. Some people believe that the people of Egypt were the first who started to domesticate cats. They used to lure cats by offering fish. We all know that cats hate water, so they may not hunt fish.
If your cat likes to eat fish too, then you must want to know all details about feeding fish to your cat. Read the article completely to understand why your cat likes fish? Also, what type of fish you should feed your cat and its quantity as well.
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What Will I Learn?
Why Do Cats Like Fish?
One of the main reasons why cats like fish are because cats are opportunistic feeders. It means that they take advantage of whatever situation is and will eat anything available to them. Cats have spent years looking for human food. For this reason, they may have developed a taste for eating fish.
Cats have a strong sense of taste and smell, so the smell of fish may attract your feline friend. However, a cat’s stomach is not used to overeating fish. Therefore you always need to be careful about the amount you are serving your cat.
Is Fish Good For Your Cat?
Fish is right for your cat if you feed it in a moderate amount. There are several different benefits your cat gets from fish. Let’s have a quick look at these.
1. Taurine:
One of the benefits of fish is taurine that is essential for heart rhythm, eyes, and a healthy digestive system. It also promotes vision and reproduction.
2. Protein:
Cats are carnivores, and they need high-quality protein to fulfill all energy requirements. Fish are excellent sources of protein, so these can provide a lot of benefits to your cat. However, keep in mind the amount you are serving your cat. Proteins made up of the amino acid are very important for cats as they help keep your cat healthy.
Plant-based food is not easy to digest for your cat. They can use fatty acids from meat and fish. Protein is essential to regulate pH, and it also gives your cat energy for different activities.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega 3 fatty acids help to keep a cat healthy. Fish is an excellent source of fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential for skin, coat, and reduce inflammation.
Fish is an excellent source of protein-based amino acid; however, it lacks some minerals such as calcium, iron, and sodium. Also, there are high levels of some toxins, phosphorous, and mercury. If you serve too much fish to your feline, it may cause urinary tract infections if it. There are no vitamin B and E in fish.
Type Of Fish That Is Good For Cats
You can feed any fish to your cat if it is not allergic. Salmon and tuna provide omega-3 fatty acids. One bad thing about these types is the high content of mercury in them. Therefore, you can try small fish such as halibut, cod, and flounder. These have fewer levels of mercury so that they can be the right choice for your cat.
Amount Of Fish A Cat Should Eat
No matter how much your cat loves fish, but moderation is always the key. Fish should be served as a treat and in small portions. Sometimes, cats can crave for fish and can be demanding. However, you cannot allow them to overeat fish, as you definitely cannot risk their health.
Eating a lot of fish can lead your cat to thiamine deficiency, damaging the cat’s nervous system. Moreover, your cat may develop hyperthyroidism or urinary tract infection. Make sure that you don’t serve fish more than 2 to 3 times a week.
Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids Essential For Cats?
Omega-3 fatty acids are as essential for cats as they are for human beings. These are essential for the shiny and glossy coat of your cat. Moreover, they also help reduce inflammatory problems such as asthma, arthritis, and different skin diseases. The risk of cancer is also reduced due to it.
If you are looking for the best source of omega-3 fatty acid for your cat, the salmon and tuna are the best options among fish.
Fish Allergy In Cats
Sometimes, cats can be allergic to fish, which means they may develop some digestive issues or skin problems. Below mentioned are some of the symptoms of food allergies that you can notice in this case.
- Wheezing.
- Hair loss.
- Inflammation of the skin.
- Diarrhea.
- Scratching.
- Vomiting.
If you notice any of these symptoms or feel like your cat has an allergic reaction, immediately consult your vet.
Does Your Cat Hate Fish?
It seems strange that the cat hates fish, but this is true. Some cats do not like fish because of several reasons. It might be possible that they were not introduced to fish or any fish-based diet at an early age.
Some cats prefer chicken and pork over salmon and tuna. Another reason why cats don’t like fish is that they may be allergic to fish or fish oil.
Why Do Cats Like Fish? – Final Verdict
Cats seem obsessed with eating fish or fish-based diet. But have you ever thought the reason why do cats like fish? There is no ancestral history of the cat’s love for fish. One of the reasons is because cats are opportunistic feeders. Also, cats have a strong sense of taste smell to be attracted to the smell of fish.
Fish offers some health benefits to your cats, such as protein, fatty acids, and taurine. However, fish lack some minerals that are essential for cats. Some cats are allergic to fish, so look for symptoms of an allergic reaction in your cat.
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