Can cats be fed on just tinned fish?

Question

It came to my notice recently that a large tin of mackerel is cheaper than a large tin of Whiskas. My cat loves tinned fish (mackerel, tuna, pilchards, sardines etc). Does it contain everything nutritionally a cat needs?

Answer 1

Hi there...as others has noted a cat cannot survive on tinned fish. Additionally, many people don't know that any type of fish made for human consumption actually causes vitamin B1 deficiencies in cats which in turn causes enteritis and can be fatal. Cats should never be fed any type of fish made for human consumption because of this...fish flavoured cat food is fine, but not anything else. Cat food is designed with special vitamins that felines require for optimal health such as taurine, which isn't found in any foods made for human consumption.

Here's an artcile about why fish is bad for cats, specifically tuna: http://www.lenhumanesoc.org/Tips/ASPCA-Tuna.htm
"TUNA FOR CATS? NO!
Tuna can be fatal to cats and is not something to be fed to them...The human variety of tuna fish contains an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Cats who regularly eat tuna can develop a vitamin B1 deficiency, which results in neurological symptoms like dilated eyes, loss of equilibrium, seizures and death if this vitamin is not replaced. The scientific name of this disease is polioencephlomalacia.

Clearwater veterinarian Richard Brancato said that though most domestic cats do enjoy fish, feeding them a diet of only tuna can cause serious disorders.

Although it is high in protein, tuna lacks sufficient amounts of certain amino acids, mainly taurine, to maintain feline health. There is insufficient calcium to balance the phosphorus; the ratio in canned tuna is 1-to-14.8. This results in bone disease.

Many essential vitamins such as A and most B vitamins are also lacking, Brancato said. A common disease in cats fed a mainstay of canned tuna is steatitis, or yellow fat disease, an inflammation of the fat tissue in the body due to a deficiency of vitamin E.

Source: St. Petersburg Times, published May 14, 2000"

Here's another answer by a veterinarian just recently about the dangers of tuna: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnXV7g3jq309q2QXly7n9WLsy6IX?qid=20061018194725AAzYqfz

Answer 2

Absolutely not! If you can't even afford a tin of Whiskas you are in dire straits indeed!

All cooked meat has the taurine destroyed by the cooking process. Before vets and food manufacturers "caught on" to this many cat's went blind and/or suffered serious heart damage and death. Cats cannot make taurine in their bodies as humans and dogs do.

If you must use that awful cat food (by-product meat, arificial colorings and flavorings all treated with chemicals and declared unfit for human consumption) at least pick up some raw heart and gizzard, and chop up some raw chicken wings for your cat. A small amount of raw chicken liver should be added to that meal too as cats also cannot produce Vitamin A in their bodies and normally get that from eating the livers of their prey. If your cat will eat this he will at least be getting good wholesome nutrition a few times a week.

You might also go to www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's article titled "Why Fish is Dangerous for Cats". It is the next to last article of about fifty.

Answer 3

No, it doesn't. Tinned fish is fine as an occasional treat, but not as the basis of the cat's diet. Fish like Tuna contain elements which can be toxic to cats if taken in large amounts. Any cat needs as much variety as possible in its diet. Cats have very specific dietary needs, which is why cat food is expensive. You could try mixing cheaper brands with the more expensive brands.

Answer 4

My cat is 17 & I've been feeding her tuna & sardines since she was a kitten, she's still alive & kicking, obviously she has meat usually chicken & tins of supermeat & Iams Just vary the diet from time to time, same goes for meat not too much! Maybe others would disagree but the proof is in the pudding!

Answer 5

no! in fact cat's were not designed to eat fish. it was added to cat food in the 1920's because it was a cheaper ingredient that other meats. Tuna can actually prevent protein absorption i nthe cat's body- leading to severe malnutrition. A cat needs taurine, a vital nutrient to survive. Higher end natural cat foods without a lot of starches are the best choices for your cat. they are balanced to provide all the nutrition a cat needs. If you just give your cat fish- they will eventually go blind. it is cruel even though they like it. too much sodium in sardines and such- if you can't afford cat food which is really quite inexpensive, you may want to seek out a more suitable home for kitty. Owning as pet can be expensive. that is one of the responsibilities that most people realize before getting one.

Answer 6

Unfortunately tinned fish will not provide the nutrients that you cat needs. They are almost pure protein. Plus they may contain high amounts of mercury (which is not good for cats or people) My cats get tinned fish as a treat about once a week. I have a hint for you tho, if you call the cat food companies (or e-mail them) and tell them how much your cat likes their product they may send you coupons so you can save money. To save money my mother use to make her own cat food. She owned a cattery so we literally had dozens of cats & kittens. I can probably get a recipe for you if you like. Really a hassle tho. And smelly! She used a lot of liver & kidneys. Anyway, back to the point, canned cat food and dry food are best for your furry friend, and if you can provide it with distilled water instead of tap water you stand a better chance of preventing cystitis. Mine also like "cat grass" (oat grass), easy to grow in a pot. It is fairly inexpensive, especially if you can get a 5 lb bag at the local feed store. More expensive in stores geared for pets. You might even try growing a little catnip from seed. Cats like munching on plants and at least these are safe for them.

Answer 7

My cat, one of my cats, loves to eat just tuna. wish I could get her to eat mackerel. But, Oh, boy is the litter ever gonna smell! Stinky!
Yes, you can feed your cat mackerel, but I would suggest making sure she has grass. It's sold in the pet stores, and believe it or not, cats love it! They need to graze too! There is nutrition in just plain old grass that they can't get anywhere else. Once I tossed in a handful of grass, you know, the stuff that grows along fences, about 2 foot tall and in seed, over the fence to a pride of lions in a zoo, and they fought over it! Well, thankfully it was just a litttle fight, but they really really wanted it! If you decide to give your pet grass, just make sure that it hasn't been sprayed! you don't want the poisons to leach into her/his system, of course. The best way to do it is have a regular supply of grass in the house that you either grew yourself or bought at the pet store. At first she may throw it up a little, but that's OK, it won't last, that's only because her system isn't used to it. That will change, and soon she'll be eating it like mackerel! The kitty litter won't smell as bad, either!
Good luck!

Answer 8

Nope...they need more and that is why cat food is balanced. Just tinned fish could make your cat very sick and malnourished. Do your beloved kitty a favor and buy her some good food. She will thank you with a long life with less vet bills.

Answer 9

Fish does not contain all the nutrients a cat needs. If you just feed your cat fish your cat will die of malnutriton. Feed one of the commercially prepared dry foods and a little amount of canned food as a treat

Answer 10

No, cat's need special vitamins. You can make cat food with the proper nutrients though if you want to save money. Just search for Homeade Catfood Recipes, and make sure the recipes talk about those vital nutrients.