Can cats eat tuna?
Also called: canned tuna, tinned tuna, tuna fish
Caution
Not as a regular food: it lacks nutrients cats need and has too much unsaturated fat.
Not as a regular food. Tuna lacks nutrients cats need and has too much unsaturated fat, and VCA advises against it even as a treat. Some cats fed canned fish meant for people have developed serious nerve problems.
When it's a problem
- Fed regularly, its mercury content makes it dangerous for kittens.
- Some cats that ate canned fish products for people developed potentially serious neurological disorders.
- Cats may hold out for it and refuse their balanced food.
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
While cats may love tuna, they shouldn’t eat it—not even as a treat!
Tuna lacks essential nutrients and has too much unsaturated fat.
Read "True or False: Milk and tuna are great foods for cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
While cats may love tuna, they shouldn’t eat it—not even as a treat!
Tuna lacks essential nutrients and has too much unsaturated fat.
Read "True or False: Milk and tuna are great foods for cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Cornell Feline Health Center
Some cats that have consumed canned fish products meant for humans have developed potentially serious neurological disorders
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Regularly feeding your kitten tuna is dangerous because of its mercury content.
Read "Human Foods That Kittens Should Avoid"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Cornell Feline Health Center
Some cats that have consumed canned fish products meant for humans have developed potentially serious neurological disorders
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
some kittens will hold out for these treats and refuse to eat their well-balanced cat food.
Read "Human Foods That Kittens Should Avoid"
Checked 9 October 2026