My cat likes tuna?

Question

Is it ok to give them tuna? I dont give it to them all the time but I thought Id ask to make sure. =D

Answer 1

Hi there...tuna in fact isn't good for cats, but tuna juice is fine if only to entice a cat.

Cats with urinary problems should avoid any seafoods as they are high in phosphorous and changes the urinary pH which can contribute to the lower urinary disorders. Please see the following article: http://us.iams.com/iams/en_US/jsp/IAMS_Page.jsp?pageID=A&articleID=352#4

Here's an article on why tuna is dangerous:

Here's a web article about Tuna and how it is toxic to cats (again any vet can confirm this fact as well): 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
A Veterinarian Answered:
... Actually, it is.

I've had to treat numerous cats over the years for pretty severe enteritis resulting from eating tuna meat. One of my own babies got so ill from it when someone else left it sitting out on the counter for 5 minutes while he turned his back to take a phone call, that I had to put her on IV fluids for 2 days, in addition to intestinal medications.

How many cats do you know who go swimming in the ocean to catch tuna and eat it as part of their natural diet???

Tuna-FLAVORED food....okay. Tuna meat.....bad.

I 'love' brownies....but that doesn't mean they're good for me. Cats also 'love' antifreeze....but we all know what it will do to them. :-/

The most you should do is to use the water that is drained off from the can of tuna (not the oil...for another reason), and drizzle it over their dry cat food once or twice a month. They'll think they died and went to cat heaven!....but without the danger.

Save the tuna meat for your sandwiches.
Source(s):
I'm a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with 20 yrs exp in private practice (27 total years in the profession.)

Answer 2

Feeding tuna in moderation is okay. As a treat here and there is good. However the canned tuna can deplete vitamin E.

It does not have the nutrition that cats need, and too much mercury. Even feeding them a whole can will tweak their system. Usually, when I make tuna for myself, I let them lick the can. That is treat enough, and very funny, because they usually have a face full of tuna bits from the top of their heads, to their chins!!

When I eat tuna as well Instead of pouring it down the drain, I sprinkly a bit of the water ("tuna juice") onto their dry food. It gives them the taste without upsetting their systems.

Answer 3

Here is a link that will tell all about what tuna can do to a cat if given too much.

http://www.cat-world.com.au/FeedingFish.htm

Answer 4

A little tuna every now and then is fine for cats so long as it is in spring water and not in brine. You should not give your cat tuna in brine/salted water as the salt is very bad for him/her. But a little tuna in spring water every now and then is a nice treat. It doesn't contain all the nutrients they need to be a regular part of their diet but nor does it contain fat - a bit like us drinking water, but more tasty!

Alternatively, Marks & Spencer do little tins of 'luxury tuna in jelly' for cats. It's real tuna and is a 'complete meal' so contains all the nutrients your cat will need.

Answer 5

Listen to the Dr. It is the best answer and very complete. Get a good quality cat food for the best health. My oldest cat is now 20 yrs old. He has some health issues but is still happy and fiesty as he can be.

Love the kitty :-)

Answer 6

yeah its fine to give hem tuna cuz in cat foods theres tuna flavored for them to eat



i give my cats tuna from a can

Answer 7

i give my cat tuna rarley
like maybe once every two months
he seems to love it
and nothing is wrng with him