What kind of fish can be fed cats and why they love it, whether they give it castrated cats?

It’s not surprising that a lot of cats are attracted to fish by nature because the fishy flavor and aroma can be highly stimulating to their senses. However, not all fish is healthy for our feline companions. While certain fish species can offer vital nutrients, others, if consumed in excess or in the incorrect way, may do more harm than good.

It’s critical to understand which varieties of fish are healthy and safe to feed your cat. Omega-3s, which support your cat’s skin, coat, and general health, can be found in abundance in certain fish, such as salmon and sardines, which are also high in healthy fats. Fish with elevated mercury levels, such as tuna, ought to be consumed in moderation.

You might be wondering whether your neutered cat can still eat fish. Particular dietary requirements are frequently necessary for castrated cats, particularly in order to control weight and avoid urinary tract problems. They can include fish in their diet, but moderation is key, and they should balance it with other health-promoting foods.

Do cats need fish?

It’s hard to overstate this product’s advantages for cats. The fish’s low connective tissue content allows it to be well absorbed when cooked or raw. It has precisely the right amount of vitamins and minerals (iodine, foster, magnesium, calcium, manganese, zinc, fluorine, copper, etc. D.), as well as the essential amino acids (2.6-diaminohexane, aromatic alpha amino acid).

It is difficult to obtain the fat-soluble retinol, tokoferol, fillokhinon, and cholecalciferol found in fish from other foods. These substances, which balance blood sugar levels and pressure, for instance, have a positive impact on the function of internal organs. Fish broth is packed with extractive ingredients during cooking, which facilitates better digestion.

Unquestionably, the high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids—whose low melting point facilitates easy absorption by the body—is another benefit. They strengthen blood vessel walls, enhance vision, and have a positive impact on the health of the skeletal system, skin, and heart.

Not every fish has a high fat content. Therefore, they make up only 3% of lean fish (such as freshwater perch, pike-like fish, and cod), roughly 8% of medium-fat fish (such as sea bass, sprat, carp, and wolffish), 8–20% of fatty fish (such as mackerel, saury, whitefish, and sturgeon), and 34% of particularly fatty fish (such as salmon, herring, and eel).

Veterinarians advise feeding fish to cats because of its many beneficial qualities. Since fish dishes are among the most popular among cats, this product ought to be on their menu, at the very least.

Why do cats love it so much fish?

This family’s majority of members adore fish, particularly raw fish. The affection that modern cats have for it comes from their ancestors, who fished in shallow water and hunted small rodents and birds. Why do these animals find fish dishes so appealing? There are numerous justifications:

• With the help of such food, cats instinctively seek to replenish the reserves of valuable components in the body: vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, easily digestible protein. This can explain the fact that, having caught a fish, the tailed fisherman eats it whole, because useful elements are contained in all its parts – in the pulp, and in the cartilage, and in the bones, and in the entrails, and even in the fins and scales.
• Felines with a developed sense of smell are attracted to the specific fish taste and smell. Unlike dogs, representatives of this family are attracted only to fresh products, they will not even come close to rotten ones. This instinct was laid down by nature to protect cats from poisoning and infections.
• Fish pulp is more nutritious than the meat of birds and small rodents that these animals get in the wild. It is easier to digest. After such food, the feeling of hunger comes later. Practical cats instinctively choose fish – it guarantees a constant feeling of satiety.

See also: Can dry cat food be made at home? What is the composition of dry cat food?

Some people believe that cats’ love of fish is a myth, citing two reasons for their belief: first, cats are naturally afraid of the water, which makes them less inclined to fish, and second, this product has a strong, distinct smell that cats find offensive. In the meantime, there is a wealth of recorded proof that these creatures are adept at catching fish, and numerous pet owners attest to the fact that their animals adore eating fish.

What fish is allowed to be included in a cat"s diet and how often?

Only marine life can be used to nourish an adult animal or a kitten. Give priority to people who don’t gather heavy metals:

• salmon;
• pollock;
• herring;
• sardine;
• hake;
• anchovy;
• wolffish;
• tilapia;
• haddock;
• cod;
• flounder;
• whiting.

The best-tasting, healthiest, and safest salmon for these animals, grown in their natural habitat:

• pink salmon;
• salmon;
• chum salmon;
• trout;
• sockeye salmon;
• chinook salmon;
• coho salmon;
• brown trout;
• omul;
• whitefish;
• char;
• taimen;
• grayling;
• lenok.

It is advised to feed overweight cats and senior pets lean fish:

• European flounder;
• halibut;
• cod;
• hake;
• haddock.

Cats should avoid areas near lakes and rivers. Small fish bones do not choke on street-hardened cats used to small fish, but delicate four-legged housemates can choke on a bone with ease. They pose a threat to them even from large pikes and carps with numerous sharp, tiny bones.

These fish cannot be fed saury, pollock, blue whiting, capelin, or sprat. They essentially offer no advantages. Furthermore, pollock is thought to be the fish that poses the greatest risk of contracting helminthiasis. Give your pet preparations containing omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as "Nutricoat" or "Brewers Yeast," if providing noble fish is not feasible for you.

Prior to giving your pet a fish dish, make sure you:

• Remove the head, fins and scales.
• Boil. If you plan to feed the animal raw fish (some veterinarians insist on cats eating uncooked cod, which do not have parasites), it must be frozen for 7 days. When boiling, do not add salt or pepper to the fish. During cooking, do not use not only salt and pepper, but also any seasonings. How long to cook the fish? This depends on its type and size. Boil it until fully cooked.
• Tear the cooked fish pulp into pieces, remove all bones.
• Cool to room temperature.

You cannot give your pet fish food on a daily basis. Even if your pet consumes this type of food voraciously, you should only feed it to him once a week or so because it is a delicacy.

Because of its high protein content and delicious flavor, cats adore fish, but not all fish is suitable for them to eat. Small portions of cooked fish, such as salmon, cod, or sardines, which are rich in nutrients and healthy fats, are the ideal foods to give cats. However, raw fish should be avoided as it can lead to health issues such as thiamine deficiency. Fish can be enjoyed by castrated cats as well, but it should only be given as a treat occasionally rather than as a main source of nutrition because too much fish can cause nutritional imbalances.

Why you can"t give cats salted, smoked, fried fish?

It’s evident that certain fish, like blue whiting and capelin, are off limits to these animals, but what about fried, salted, and smoked goods? Can you use them to treat your pet? Veterinarians agree on this point. Even as a rare treat, such food should not be included in a cat’s diet. Cats are severely harmed by salt, especially when it is used excessively for smoking and salting fish. Eating salty food can cause stones to form in the urinary system’s organs.

Cats’ livers are negatively impacted by smoked food. The stomach lining corrodes and harmful substances created during cooking can lead to the development of cancerous growths. Likewise with fried fish. It also has a high content of "bad" fat, which strains the liver excessively.

Why raw fish is dangerous?

Neither an adult animal nor a kitten should be given fresh fish by any sane veterinarian. It might include parasites spread by meat and blood. Erroneously, some believe that cats’ health is only threatened by those who live near rivers. Meanwhile, helminths are frequently found in sea fish. For instance, pollock has the ability to harbor over 100 different kinds of parasites. Only after a prolonged period of freezing are raw fish fillets recommended for treatment of cats by veterinarians.

Fish is naturally enticing to cats, and when given in moderation, it can make a nutritious part of their diet. Fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for a cat’s general health, shiny coat, and brain function.

But not every fish is good for cats. The best fish to eat is cooked, deboned varieties like cod or salmon; raw fish should be avoided because it can harbor bacteria and parasites. Additionally, it’s critical to avoid mercury-rich fish, like tuna, which can be dangerous in high concentrations.

Fish can still be a treat for castrated cats, but only in moderation. Because certain fish contain minerals, neutered cats are more likely to experience urinary tract issues if they consume large amounts of fish. Occasionally providing fish to your cat will ensure that they receive variety without sacrificing their health, in addition to a well-balanced diet.

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