Yes, cats can definitely eat shrimp, but it shouldn’t be a part of their everyday meals. Shrimp should always be served with your cat’s regular cat food and only used as a treat.
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Can Cats Eat Shrimp & What Are The Benefits?
So now you know cat’s can indeed eat shrimp, what are the benefits? There are a lot of benefits of giving shrimp to your cats along with their regular diet.
Like other seafood, shrimps are a great source of many antioxidants. They’re a rich source of Vitamins E, B3, B6 and B12.
Shrimp also consists of Omega 3 fatty acids, selenium, iodine, phosphorus, copper, sodium and zinc.
Omega 3 fatty acids helps in promoting blood flow and circulation in humans, it does the same for animals as well. These fatty acids are great in improving heart and brain functions.
Shrimp also contains astaxanthin, which provides antioxidants to both musculoskeletal and nervous system. The antioxidants present in seafood can also decrease the risk of diabetes and colon cancer in animals.
Fun Fact: Did you know that animal proteins have many beneficial amino acids? However, shrimp doesn’t contain protein with high calories. Hence, this doesn’t lead to feline obesity.
What Are The Dangers Of Shrimp For Your Cat?
Though there are a lot of benefits of shrimp for your cat, there are a few dangers that’s worth your consideration.
Indigestion can occur if the shrimp is cooked with oil/butter or seasonings. If you want give them cooked shrimp, make sure you cook without any oil, butter, or any sort of seasoning (not even salt).
There is also a risk of choking caused by the shells (tail) of shrimp.
Improper chewing of fish tails in large quantities can also cause constipation and an upset tummy.
Raw shrimp could contain bacteria that could infect cats as well as many people like E. coli, or Listeria, or salmonella.
Some cats could have an allergy to shrimp. If your cat is having indigestion after eating shrimp or having symptoms like trouble with swallowing, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy or not eating, please visit your veterinarian urgently.
Should You Clean Shrimp Before Serving It?
Cleaning the shrimp properly is very important when you’re going to cook or serve them raw. Many people remove the digestive tract of the shrimp as you never know what is inside.
You can leave the shells, head and tail as it is while serving it to your pet cat. Cats like to eat these crunchy parts of the shrimp.
There is also no need to cook the shrimp as cats love to eat raw meat.
Do Cats Like Shrimp Raw Or Cooked?
Well, cats eat shrimp in both its raw and cooked form. In the case of raw shrimp, you must consider cleaning it thoroughly by removing its digestive tract to avoid any infections.
On the other hand, cooked shrimp is also a great option if it is prepared without using any oil or seasoning. It is ideal to serve your cat raw shrimp if you’re using them as treats. It makes it more tempting for the cats to eat it raw.
Cats also love frozen shrimp but make sure to defrost it and that it’s not too hard for them. Having a piece of moist and fresh shrimp gives them the feeling as if they have caught it themselves.
How Much Shrimp Is Safe For Your Cat To Eat?
Cats can eat as much shrimp as you give them. Even though shrimps have nutritional value you should limit the amount right from the beginning.
It’s always good to give it to them in small quantities as they can easily get addicted to it, or expect it every meal.
Shrimps are not natural food for cats to be consumed on a daily basis. It’s best to be given as treats and not as their regular cat food. Once they start getting it daily, they can easily refuse to eat their normal food.
Giving your cat shrimp, one or two times a week is enough for cats.
Can Cats Eat Shrimp Legs?
Cats love eating shrimp legs. You don’t even need to cook it for them, just wash it thoroughly and that’s enough for them.
Can Cats Eat Shrimp Tails?
Cats love shrimp tails as much as they love legs. They can easily consume them raw or cooked. There is no problem with giving them half cooked shrimps either.
If you see any sign of sickness after having raw shrimp tails then contact your vet immediately to discuss this matter.
Can Cats Eat Shrimp Shells?
Cats love to eat shrimp shells due to their crisp texture. Make sure not to soak them in brine before freezing as shrimps can be high in sodium.
Can Cats Eat Shrimp Heads?
Some cats will absolutely like eating shrimp heads, others not so much. If they don’t like it, you can remove the head off and serve the rest of the body to your cat. Try to remove the head if giving them shrimp for the first time.
Can Cats Eat Shrimp Conclusion?
Some cats love to eat shrimp, some don’t. There is no harm in giving shrimp to your furry friend in small quantities. Always, remember to wash and clean them properly before cooking or serving it to your cats.
Shrimp should be considered a treat for your cat, and shouldn’t be used as their main protein source.
