Can Cats Eat Anchovies? (Is It Healthy To Give Your Cat?)

Cat’s love fish right? Of course they do. So, is it ok for your little cat to eat anchovies?

Again the answer is yes, but there are a few important things to think about when considering adding an anchovy treat to your cat’s diet.

I sat down recently with my local vet and got the full story.

Images of cats eating fish are everywhere you look.

Kinda funny when you take the time to consider that a house cat is not a natural predator of fish.

However, cats are carnivorous eating machines and when it comes to fish, they love it.

DISCLOSURE: http://catloverhere.com/ is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here.

Yeah, But Is Anchovies Good For Cats?

Anchovies and other small fish like krill and sardines are packed with amazing nutrients that are great for your cat and can be a wonderful addition to a healthy diet.

Anchovies are high in omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and B-12.

High in omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3s are an amazing booster for your cat’s brain function.

They also promote healthy supple skin.

As an anti-inflammatory Omega-3s are perfect for older cats struggling with arthritis.

No Heavy Metals

Unlike other fish, anchovies offer the incredible benefits of omega-3s without heavy metals.

Larger fish are more susceptible to mercury contamination whereas anchovies, sardines, and other small fish are very low in contaminants

High in Vitamin B-12

Give your feline friend a push in the right direction.

If your cat is fighting lethargy and depression, a little B-12 will give them the shot of energy they need. Elevate overall mood and promote healthy liver function.

High in Vitamin D

Vitamin D is another great anti-inflammatory that goes a long way towards supporting a robust skeletal system that will improve your cat’s longevity and quality of life.

CAUTION About Your Cat Eating Anchovies

Be careful, this isn’t a gravy train. As with all things, moderation wins the day.

Anchovies and other small fish should be a treat.

Limit anchovies to no more than one or two a day.

Think twice before offering this tasty morsel to overweight cats.

When you break it down, a healthy balance is what’s necessary to provide a long and healthy quality of life you want for your pet.

The biggest health challenge presented by feeding your cat anchovies is the way the fish is prepared.

Fresh Is Best!

If you are lucky enough to live in an area where fresh fish is an option, get on over to your local market and purchase the fish you need.

Don’t buy too much. Purchase a few day’s worth at a time.

Cook That Little Fishy!

Fresh fish is great, but you will want to make sure that you cook that little swimmer to destroy any harmful bacteria that may harm your pet.

Steam, boil or fry the fish up quickly.

The main thing is to make sure you kill any parasites that may be hitching a ride.

Can Cats Eat Canned Anchovies?

If fresh fish isn’t an option, that’s ok.

Yes, it’s safe for your cat to eat canned anchovies too? There’s just a few points of caution to consider so you don’t overdo it.

Portion

No more than one or two in a day

Oil

Canned anchovies are packed in oil and all that fat isn’t particularly good for your furry friend. Don’t glob the oil on, in fact, you may want to wipe some of it off with a paper towel. Think about it this way, you wouldn’t sit down and eat a pint of fat and neither should your cat.

Salt

Another thing to be aware of with canned fish products is the probability of higher sodium content. Just like the fat, you’ll want to limit your cat’s salt intake.