One of the most common scenes in animated films and series is that of a feline going crazy from eating a delicious fish. Therefore, it is not surprising that more than one person has wondered if felines’ love for this food is real or just an invention of cartoons.

Furthermore, animated kitties are not passionate about just any type of fish, but there are two that drive them crazy more than anything: tuna and sardines . If you ever want to check if this love for sardines is real and if it is healthy to give this fish to your cat, we will tell you the answer. 

Sardines

Sardine is a common name assigned to several breeds of small, blue fish. It is packed with numerous nutritional and mineral qualities, including:

• Highest quality protein
• Fats (omega-3 fatty acid)
• Vitamin D, B2, B3, B12
• Selenium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Zinc
• Iodine
• Match
• Copper

Almost all of the nutrition and minerals present in sardines are important for the healthy growth and maintenance of a cat.

Can cats eat sardines?

Sardine is a fish rich in fats, omega-3, and a high diversity of minerals such as calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.

It is often used to attract feral kittens in sterilization or relocation campaigns since its strong smell and the high amount of calories involved in its intake make this food irresistible for stray cats.

So, as you may have already imagined, the cartoon cliché is not false and cats do love fish. Delve into the world of cat sausage consumption and its implications for your pet’s health. This comprehensive guide will help you make educated decisions about introducing sausages into your cat’s diet.

Now, returning to the question of whether or not we can give our cat sardines, the answer is a resounding yes. Yes, you can feed sardines to your cat, but always with some considerations. 

First of all, we must remember that, although sardines are, indeed, a source of multiple nutrients that are good for felines, this cannot be the only or the main element of their diet.

It can be used as a treat or as an appetite stimulant for cats that for some reason do not feel like eating, but should only be given occasionally.

Maximum two or three times a week and never as a substitute for good quality kibble for cats, which are specially balanced so that felines receive all the nutrients they need. 

Can cats eat canned sardines?

Sardines are those fish that people tend to eat more commonly in canned presentation than bought fresh and then cooked.

Therefore, you most likely have doubts about whether your cat can eat canned sardines since they are the easiest to access.

The answer is yes, although always in small quantities.

Sardines are usually canned in sunflower or olive oil. These do not harm a cat in small doses, but if consumed in excess they can cause diarrhea or make them overweight .

Another common way of canning sardines is in tomato sauce. This will not cause any particular harm either, although it will not provide nutrients either, so it is not recommended that our cat consume it too frequently.

Can cats eat raw sardines?

The same thing happens with raw sardines as with practically any other type of fish:

A cat will most likely like them and they provide various nutrients, but there is always the danger that they contain dangerous bacteria capable of poisoning them. 

Additionally, raw fish causes the breakdown of thiamine, which can lead to a vitamin B deficiency that results in serious problems for cats such as neurological conditions. 

Can cats eat fish?

In addition to sardines, cats can eat fish such as tuna and salmon, since they contain Omega-3, vitamins, and other nutrients that are very good for them. However, as we mentioned above, the fish must be cooked or else it could make your cat sick.

It is also necessary to remove all the bones or “thorns” because these can be fatal if our cat suffocates on them. Now you know, your cat can eat sardines, he will most likely love them and they will work as an excellent reward, but only occasionally, never as the main food in his diet.

Are sardines good for your cat?

Fish are easily digestible, so they are sure to be a good snack to offer your cat sometimes for a change. However, the Pet Health Partnership says sardines are not as nutritious as the meats recommended for cats. Therefore, most veterinarians suggest limiting sardines in a cat’s diet. 

When owning a cat, it is important to keep your kitty from overeating, especially items they love too much like sardines. Eating too much fish, apart from leaving your cat smelling fishy, ​​can cause digestive problems and eczema. 

Before serving sardines or any fish/meat to your cat, be sure to remove all bones to avoid any choking hazards. Sardines are not considered the healthiest fish option for cats because they consist of a high proportion of thiaminase (an enzyme that breaks down vitamin B molecules). According to The Raw Feeding Community, thiaminase if consumed in excess will cause heat problems, weight loss, and chronic fatigue in a cat.

Cooked, raw or canned?

Raw sardines are available in the market and kept frozen to protect them from any type of parasite attack, but freezing does not kill the germs in the fish. Therefore, it is not recommended to offer your fish raw fish. Always cook fish before serving it to your cat, whether it is frozen or if you have a freshly caught one. You have to wash it properly, remove the scale, and cook it. 

After that, remove all the bone by cutting it into smaller pieces, now it is the perfect snack for your cat. When it comes to offering canned sardines to your cat, make sure you get the unsalted one, carefully check the ingredients, and make sure it doesn’t contain anything that could harm your furry pet in any way possible. Also, avoid smoked sardines, as they are definitely saltier while in the curing process.

Healthier options

It is recommended to limit your cat’s feeding to only two or three times a week. Additionally, there are some other types of fish that do not contain thiaminase, therefore they are considered a better choice for your feline friend. Some of them are:

• cod
• Flounder
• black sea bass
• Lake Herring / Cisco
• Haddock
• Perch
• Only
• Hake
• Tilapia