Is tuna fish good for cats?

Question

I've heard alot of things on the news and stuff about tuna fish being bad for people to eat alot of. So I'm wondering if the same applies to cats. I"m trying to take care of this cat that was abandoned by his owner who got put into rehab. But I'm poor myself living on ssi and food stamps. The best I can do is feed it tuna that I can buy on my food stamp card but I don't know if that's really what's best for the kitty. It's probably better than him starving to death.

Answer 1

No, tuna fish is good for cats because it has lots of nutrients in it and they love it. But, you shouldn't let tuna fish go past its expiry date, because thats what happened to me and my cat got really sick, so just keep an eye out for that expiry date and your cat will love you. By the way, that is very nice of you looking after a cat, especially in your difficult situation. Good on you!

Answer 2

Tuna is worse for cats than it is for people. Fish in general is not really good for cats. They like it, but htink about it: Cats don't fish in nature! They eat birds, mice.. (they don't eat cows either for that matter, so I don't feed beef). Salmon I do make an exception, since it includes some healthy omega oils for my kitties, and I also supplement some salmon oil. But tuna, besides the mercury, is very bad for cats. They do sell cat food brands that are not su pposed to be as bad, but I would steer clear.
THIS PART IS IMPORTANT! It also does not have taurine needed for your cat, so if you only feed human tuna, then your cat could easily develop heart disease or another dangerous illness. If you can primarily use foodstamps, I would buy chicken and even liver to make homemade food for your kitty, and then at least get some kind of supplement made to include all those other vitamins desparately needed for your cats survival. In the wild, they eat entire animals, minus the bones, not just the meaty parts we normally eat. I am sorry for your situation, but if you only need to buy some supplements -- and do research online to make sure you are getting everything your kitty needs -- then it should be a little less expensive. And chicken, when cut up to cat sized pieces and frozen, comes to the same price for me as if I were buying a bunch of cheap brand tuna cans.
**Edit, that is a great idea to add some inexpensive dry food to something like raw or cooked chicken -- that could solve the supplement problem. Also, the litter box idea is very interesting and should save you money. I also agree that you are doing a great thing. I am sure your relationship with this kitty will be very rewarding! As for people who say to call the animal shelter, I see where they are coming from and I hate it when people get cats they don't want to care for. But many animals at the shelter are put to death, so there is not really a win win by taking away a home it has with a caring person, just because it may not be ideal. There are already a lot of animals needing homes, and hopefully your situation will improve in the future. This kitty gives you a new goal to work towards:) Once you get him on a healthy diet that can prevent things like liver and kidney issues in the future, then you guys can have an awesome long life together.

Answer 3

I think that cats really need more than just tuna. It's great that you are trying to help him. But sometimes rehab takes along time, what happens when he has to go to the vet. Is there anyone else who could better care for the cat?

Can you neighbor give you the money to care for the cat?
Are there some cheaper foods available? With coupons maybe you could afford it. Then stretch it with tuna in the morning and cat food at night?

No matter what everyone is saying, you are doing a great thing. If there were more people like you we would not have a million pets homeless, and put down every year.

I know that kitty appreciates it the most, he does not have to go to sleep hungry.

Answer 4

Feeding cat tuna is not bad per se, as long as it isn't its steady diet. Tuna in cans have too much salt for a cat and not enough of the some very important nutrients that a cat needs. Can you buy raw chicken from your food stamps? That will be a better food for a cat - either cut into small bits or ground. You can supplemet the chicken and tuna diet with dry cat food - about 1/2 cup per day. A box of Friskies or Whiskas or Meow Mix is under $2.00. Admittedly, this is not the best dry cat food, but if you give raw chicken, that will take care of the cat's protein needs and the kibble will take care of his vitamin and additional taurine needs. You can also give a cat ground beef. Just a thought... you know you can buy Friskies canned cat food for around 30c a can. Friskies is not top brand either but it is adequate. I have fed my cats Friskies before when I was not doing too well financially either, and they were OK with it. You can feed your kitty 1 can of Friskies and 1/2 to 1/3 cup of dry kibble per day. A box of Friskies should last abut a week. So, that is roughly 60c a day for you to feed your cat this way. That's not a great burden on a tight budget - I hope.

Oh, don't forget to get a litter box. If you cannot afford to buy cpmmercial litter, use ordinary yard dirt (soil) and remove the poo each day. Some cat owners use ordinary soil and chuck in earthworms to take care of litter box odors. I have such a box inside my cats' outdoor enclosure.

By the way, you have a very kind heart to take this cat in even when you know you are in a tight situation financially. I applaud you, bless your heart. Just keep the cat indoors so he won't catch any diseases or get injured - you'll save a lot on vet bills beleive me!

Good luck!

Answer 5

Kitty really needs cat food, but even a cheap brand would be good. However, yes the tuna is better than starving to death. Best thing for kitty would be to call the animal shelter, though, because if it gets sick you won't be able to pay for the vet and on a diet of tuna the cat is missing some key nutrients and will not be very healthy. Do what your heart tells you to do. Good luck.

Answer 6

On the news when they mention tuna being bad for you it's in reference to the mercury levels found in some fish that are ultimately caused by pollutants.

In cats, when they say don't feed them tuna - they generally mean in large/perminant qualities since it doesn't contain much vitamin E.

If you're living off of food-stamps and SSI:

Try calling your local vet/shelter and asking them for advice on what to feed your cat. They can give you a few other suggestions and ideas that are home-based, but will help to provide a decent nutrition for kitty.

It shouldn't cost you anything to ask. ;))

Answer 7

Can't you buy chicken with the same card instead of tuna? It is much better for the cat. I think tuna made for humans is even worse for the cats, i am not sure why. Anyway, remember to have water available for her all the time. Also leftovers from your food are OK, except onion, garlic and raisins or grapes. But it is good that you feed her, don't call animal control or anything, they may kill her.

Answer 8

I think if you give your cat a small amount of tuna once in a while as a treat he will be fine. I give my cat cat treats I find at the pet store.

Answer 9

Yes, it's good for their coat, the oil in it, you might try trading off with some canned chicken, or fish. but they really do need dry food also, to it keeps their teeth clean & they don't get cavities, cats get cavities pretty easy if all they eat is canned catfood, (some of that stuff has sweeteners in it). Look for an off brand, and the bigger the bag, the more money you'll saving the long run. Try to watch for sales. Also, see if he like milk if you haven't yet.

Answer 10

if you cant afford to support a cat then you should call your local animal service to take away, because in the future you will have to take the cat for checkups at vets etc...tuna is actually good for your cat....but not as a everyday meal. mainly as a treat few times a week. thats what i do for mine