How Much Tuna Can My Cat Eat?

(Asking for my cat who loves Tuna)

It always feels like a nice boujee treat, giving your cat some tuna but turns out there should be limitations and can even cause your cat to become seriously unwell (but we can cover this too!). For a disclaimer, cats can eat a small amount of tuna occasionally, but it should not be a regular part of their diet. You don't want either yourself or your gorgeous cat to become dependent on it. So, let's dive in and uncover the goods.. how much tuna can my cat eat? (asking for a fluffy friend).

How much tuna is okay?

• 1–2 teaspoons of tuna

• No more than once a week

• Use plain tuna packed in water, not oil, with no salt or seasonings
  

Why tuna should be limited?

• Not nutritionally complete: Tuna doesn’t have all the nutrients cats need. Too much can lead to deficiencies.

• Mercury risk: Tuna can contain mercury, which can be harmful if eaten often.

• Too much sodium: Especially in canned tuna made for people.

• “Tuna addiction”: Some cats start refusing their regular food if they get tuna too often. At this point, the treat has become the curse.
  

Here's a safer alternative for these little fluffballs"

• High-quality commercial cat food (this should be their main diet)

• Cat treats made with fish

• Small amounts of plain cooked chicken, white fish or salmon (no salt, no seasoning)
  

As we said earlier, your cat can have too much tuna and become seriously unwell if not monitored. You can tell if they have eaten too much tuna by watching for changes in your cat’s behaviour, digestion, or appetite. Signs of too much tuna can show up quickly or over time.

Short-term signs (after eating tuna)

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Upset stomach or excessive drooling

• Lethargy (less playful or unusually tired)
  

Behavioural signs

• Refusing regular cat food and only wanting tuna

• Begging obsessively or becoming picky

• Acting restless or uncomfortable
  

Longer-term signs (from eating tuna often)

• Weight loss or poor coat quality (dull, flaky fur)

• Weakness or trouble walking (can happen with nutrient imbalances)

• Increased thirst or urination

• Bad breath or signs of dehydration
  

When to call a vet

Contact a vet if:

• Your cat vomits repeatedly or has diarrhea for more than 24 hours

• Your cat stops eating normal food

• You notice weakness, shaking, or unusual behavior

• Your cat has been eating tuna frequently (daily or several times a week)
  

What to do now

• Stop giving tuna for now

• Go back to regular cat food

• Make sure your cat has fresh water

• If your cat refuses normal food after tuna, gradually mix it back in So in short, only 1 - 2 teaspoons once a week for spring water tuna but we'd recommend a replacing tuna with plain cooked chicken breast, white fish or salmon. The frozen section makes this cheaper than in the chilled section!