My cats are about 8 years old. One male and one female, neutered and spayed. I feed them about one tablespoon of canned tuna packed in water per day. I once heard not to feed neutered males seafood because of the ash content, it may cause urinary problems.
2007-02-24 04:48:30 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Well, I am sure your cats are quite addicted to this daily treat. Canned tuna (or any human canned meat) does not contain taurine which is a necessary amino acid for the cat. So you are depriving your cats of that. There are many "fishy" canned cat foods and all commercial cat foods have taurine added to them.
Wellness and Natural Balance have salmon and fish flavors so it would be best to use them.
A few years ago there was heightened awareness of the problems that ash could cause in cat food and most manufacturers have taken steps to correct that. It is more important for your male cat's health to have the extra moisture in the canned cat food to keep his urinary tract healthy. It is also good for your female too as they can have problems with their urinary tract health.
2007-02-24 05:08:14 · answer #1 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's a possible link between fish and hyperthyroidism in cats, between fish and food allergies in many cats, and between fish and urinary problems in manyt cats. Tuna is often contaminated with heavy metals (you've probably seen the warnings about pregnant women and tuna).
I believe in everything in moderation - a little tuna is probably OK as an occasional treat, if your cats aren't allergic - a tbsp. once a week, or a teeny bit daily if you really want to, but a tablespoon a day is actually a rather large amount considered in proportion to the total amount of food cats usually consume in a day. I'd suggest cutting back on the tuna and feeding them some yummy high-quality canned cat food instead.
2007-02-24 07:04:48 · answer #2 · answered by Bess2002 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always given my male neutered cat the juice from a can of tuna when ever I eat any and it has never caused a problem. I only eat the stuff with water not oil and my cat is over 10 years old.
2007-02-24 04:59:18 · answer #3 · answered by Trent 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This applies to all cats-not just males. The magnesium count is too high for a cats body. Try switching them to the tuna that is made for cats, but don't feed regular tuna that we eat. Yes, this can cause health issues, especially if you are doing it every day. About 2 -3 times a year I will give mine a small taste of solid white albacore (the only kind he or I will eat--picky aren't we?) But, NO--please don't do this on a daily basis. Shortly you will start generating yourself vet bills. Good luck in trying to switch them to the cat-type of tuna. And, rather than tuna---try salmon---still not every day--but the ash & magnesium count is lower in salmon plus the essential fatty oil from the salmon is very good for their coats and any dry skin issues.
2007-02-24 05:01:54 · answer #4 · answered by sharon w 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One tablespoon a day sounds fine. The only negative I've heard is that if you feed them canned tuna exclusively, the tiny amounts of mercury in tuna are extra bad for cats.
2007-02-24 05:02:09 · answer #5 · answered by Gypsy Doctor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not, my cats DON'T like to eat the tuna I set out (like if I run out of catfood). They will love the oil if you buy tuna in oil (instead of in water), but they'll just lick the oil dry, and leave most of the tuna. That's for my cats. Your's might be different. Stick with cat food, like Friskies canned cat food, and try all sorts of flavors. Most like the sea food varieties best.
The only one my cats don't like, or should I say, throw up, are the Friskies with Salmon. So i don't buy them that one anymore.
Perhaps more important is NOT to give them creme or milk, as that causes kidney problems much worse and quicker than tuna will. If you're doing that, STOP, it will kill them eventually. They can easily get buy with just water. In fact, they prefer it. But no cat will turn down creme if you offer it, so don't offer it, except as an occassional treat. Same goes with ice cream.
2007-02-24 05:24:42 · answer #6 · answered by MrZ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tuna is not good at all for cats. I'd suggest, if your cats like tuna that much, tuna FLAVORED wet cat food. Or experiment with other types of wet food and see which flavor they like best.
2007-02-24 06:03:50 · answer #7 · answered by rosemary 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Give a little at a time. I feed my cat tuna sometimes, and she's fine.
2007-02-24 05:26:25 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im not sure, I know they have tuna food for cats in a can. You might want to double check with your vet just to make sure.
2007-02-24 04:57:24 · answer #9 · answered by angel01182 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO!!!!! It is bad for the digestion system and can cause crystals in the urinary track. When I was 16 I thought it was OK but my cat almost died because he was bleeding internally from the crystals blocking his track.
2007-02-24 05:01:44 · answer #10 · answered by Married and loving it!!!! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋