Can Cats Eat Fish Bones? (What You Need To Know)

In this article you’re going to discover – Can cats eat fish bones?

Is it safe for them to eat it

I personally never eat fish with bones – I’m just too scared!

I always buy fillet fish or salmon – Basically fish without any bones in them!

Okay, enough about me

The question is – Can cats eat fish with bones?

The answer to this is..

If you serve small, raw fish to your cats, then yes, it’s alright for cats to eat fish bones.

However, you must remove bones from cooked fish before feeding the meat to your cat.

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Can Cats Choke On Fish Bones?

When it comes to raw fish, their bones have not been exposed to much oxygen yet.

Because of that, the bones are still soft, and cats can chew them up and swallow them with relative ease.

Softer bones from small, raw fish are safer for cats to consume.

Firstly, if anything gets stuck along the way, the cat can simply regurgitate it back up.

It’s the bigger pieces that you need to worry about!

Plus, the cat’s stomach will be able to break down and digest those bones easily.

It’s not the same with cooked fish, though.

In this case, the bones of cooked fish would’ve hardened from prolonged exposure to air and oxygen.

These bones harden, making it harder and more dangerous to feed to any of your cats.

Whether in fish or other cooked meats, hard bones pose a danger to your cat’s throat and digestive system.

If the cats continue to chew on it, the bones may break into smaller pieces and your cat might swallow them.

When they swallow those bone fragments, it could lead to injury in the cat’s throat or other internal parts along the digestive tract.

How to Prevent Your Cat From Choking On Fish Bones

Whether cooked or raw, it’s important to remember that there’s always a risk when cats consume fish bones.

That’s why some cat owners prefer removing all fish bones regardless of their size.

If you prefer serving cooked fish to your cats, you should know that it’s easier to remove the bones before you cook the fish.

Firstly, that’ll ensure that you don’t forget to remove the bones.

Plus, it’s easier to spot smaller bones before cooking instead of after.

That way, they can enjoy the peace of mind from not having to worry about their cats swallowing bones.

What Do I Do If My Cat Is Choking On a Fishbone?

If you notice that your cat is choking on a fishbone, there are a few key things to do.

They include calling your vet, helping the cat relax, and removing the obstruction yourself.

Let’s go through this in more detail

Call Your Vet Immediately!

If your cat is choking on fish bones, you should always call your veterinarian straight away.

Get them on the phone and explain the situation to them in as much detail as possible.

When you speak directly to your vet, they’ll tell you what to do next.

They may guide you to remove the bones, or they’ll ask you to bring the cat to the vet’s office immediately.

If you manage to follow their instructions and remove the obstruction, they might just ask you to monitor the cat for the next day or two.

Help Your Cat Relax

Whether you bring the cat to the vet or treat them yourself at home, it’s essential to keep the cat relaxed and calm.

You can do this by laying the cat on its side and rubbing them gently on their back.

The cat might panic, so it’s important to relax them as best as you can.

Remove The Obstruction

There are steps you can take to remove the bone yourself.

Try to open the cat’s jaws very gently, and check if you can see the bone that they’re choking on.

In some cases, you might be able to clear the obstruction with tweezers.

However, if you’re doubtful or unsure, it’s best to take the cat to the vet immediately.

Can Cats Eat Raw Fish?

Cats can eat raw fish but you shouldn’t feed raw fish to your cat

Why?

Because raw fish can contain bacteria and this could give your little furball food poisoning

It’s best to avoid feeding your cat raw fish just to be on the safe side

Yes cats do love fish so if you’re going to feed it to your cat you have to make sure it’s cooked properly

Also ensure there is no harmful additives, seasonings and flavors

Fish That’s Already Available For Your Cat

If you want to feed your cat fish then I would recommend giving your little furball these type of fish

Salmon Fish
Tuna Fish
Anchovies

They’re all good to give to your cat

You see the thing with fish with bones is it can be dangerous

It’s best to be safe than sorry!

Wrapping It Up

Cats can eat fish bones if it’s raw fish

They can handle the bones

Whereas cooked fish is a different story

It’s best to make sure all bones are removed in cooked fish before giving your cat

If you’re giving your cat raw fish, It’s best you do the job for your cat and remove any bones

You’ll get piece of mind knowing there ain’t any bones in there

Or you could just sit with your cat whilst they’re eating just to make sure your cat is all good eating fish bones (Can Cats Eat Human Biscuits?) (Can Cats Eat Human Biscuits?)

Me personally, I don’t eat cooked fish as I am just too terrified of eating a small fish bone!

I’d rather eat a fish fillet where I know for certain there ain’t any bones

If you’re like me and don’t want worry about your cat choking on a fish bone

It’s just best not to give your cat fish bones right?

You’d rather buy cat food that has fish in it already

That’s my personal advice 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cats Eat Cooked Fish Heads

I would not give your cat cooked fish heads

There are bones in them and it can make your cat choke

Don’t take the risk is my advice!

Stick to cat food that has fish in it!

Is It OK To Feed Cats Fish Every Day?

Would you be okay to eat a certain type of food everyday?

No right?

So it wouldn’t be okay to feed your cat fish everyday

I’m sure your little kitty will get bored of eating the same food everyday

My cat needs a variety and your cat would too

Feed your cat fish but here and there

Mix it up for your furball!

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