Animals

Why do cats eat fish? Find out here!

Why cats eat fish is a question many cat owners have. Because they have a short intestine, it is necessary to ingest high doses of taurine, a substance found in fish. Learn more here!

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Find out all about why cats eat fish

Porque os gatos comem peixes
Why do cats eat fish?

When we think about these felines, the first question is why do cats eat fish? There is a common curiosity, since in cartoons, they feed on fish.

But comparing real animals with cartoon animals is no coincidence! Yeah, it's common for felines to be attracted to that food. Including, only his smell can awaken great sensations in the pet. 

By eating fish, cats are guaranteed several essential nutrients, including fatty acids. This element provides a special shine and smoothness to feline fur. 

However, fish has a high fat content, and a high concentration of omega-3. However, it should be noted that the intestine is shorter, which helps with fish consumption.

But for their felines to feed with fish, ensuring all the essential substances for their existence, tutors must deliver food, preferably fresh and never raw!

Do cats really like to eat fish?

Porque os gatos comem peixes
Why do cats eat fish?

According to some historical accounts, the first humans to domesticate cats were the Egyptians. In fact, this would also be the answer to why cats eat fish: they attract animals to their homes with this food. 

From that point on, it is believed that there began the interest in aquatic animals. But cats are not aquatic animals, which made hunting them impossible. 

According to the website “Freaky Pet”, felines are carnivores, that is, they need meat in their diet. But feeding him a small amount of vegetables, fruits and grains is enough. 

However, the intestine of cats is short, making it impossible for them to ingest these plant materials completely. This leads to an aspect of extreme importance, present in fish, taurine. 

Because they have a short intestine, in addition to being a response to why cats eat fish, cats need to eat a diet rich in taurine. This element is present in aquatic animals, that is, fish. 

Is it bad to give fish to cats?

First, it's not all the foods that the cat can consume. Including, by giving these foods to them, there is a great chance of developing health problems. 

In addition, depending on the daily dose, these foods can lead to death for your pet cat. Therefore, to avoid feeding the wrong foods, including fish, see which ones are contraindicated.

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What fish are contraindicated?

Porque os gatos comem peixes
Why do cats eat fish?

Tuna

From time to time, it is common to offer tuna to your pet cat, mainly because it is one of their favorite foods. Even in small doses, he doesn't hurt anyone.

But from the moment the cat eats a lot of tuna, made especially for the diet of human beings, its diet becomes deficient. Yeah, even if you know why cats eat fish, tuna doesn't offer all the necessary nutrients. 

In addition, when ingesting a high dose of tuna, your pet cat can have poisoning caused by excess mercury. Therefore, before offering your cat fish, remember to check which ones can be included in the diet and the correct dose. 

Raw meat and fish

As with eggs, when feeding your pet cat raw meat or fish, food poisoning can develop. Furthermore, there is an enzyme in these products that breaks down thiamine, an essential vitamin for feline development. 

When the cat lacks this vitamin, some neurological problems can develop. In addition, some common symptoms after this ingestion are seizures, leaving the animal in a coma.

What fish can cats eat?

Now that you know why cats eat fish, in addition to discovering which ones to avoid in their diet, it's time to find out which fish felines can eat. 

Although many tutors believe that it is not ideal to give this food to animals, as they imagine that it is harmful to their health, this is not entirely true. 

Therefore, in addition to knowing why cats eat fish, you must also find out the exact dose, how to serve it and which one to include in your cat's diet. 

Because, just like in the diet of humans, some fish offer benefits for the well-being of felines.

However, options like cod are contraindicated, as it is not good for their body.

Also, remember to lightly cook the fish before serving it to the animal, as raw food is never indicated. 

So, now that you know why cats eat fish, see what are the options to include in the kitty diet:

Why do cats eat fish like sardines?

One of the fish that can be included in the cat's diet is sardines, provided they are offered in isolated situations. 

Most tutors avoid including sardines in the feline diet, mainly due to the large number of thorns, but this is not a problem. Quite the contrary, many cats appreciate this food. 

Now that you know why cats eat fish, in addition to discovering that sardines are one of their favorite dishes, you should know the exact amount to offer them. 

Normally, the amount should be minimal, in addition to avoiding including this food in daily meals. 

Salmon and Trout

Unlike tuna, which must be served slightly raw to cats, salmon and trout must be frozen for 7 days and, after that period, lightly cooked to feed to the pet.

Because, although salmon and trout are included in the diet and are part of the list of why cats eat fish, these raw foods can cause vitamin B deficiency, causing problems in the organism of these felines. 

So, take into account the method of preparation before including food in the animal's diet. 

Cat food: 5 important questions!

Feeding cats needs special care. So today we brought 05 main questions and their answers about the feline diet!

About the author  /  Aline Mesquita

Professional writer and Systems Analyst, passionate about writing and learning! Specialized in Content Marketing and SEO.

Reviewed by  /  Samantha Scorbaioli

Senior Editor

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