Can cats eat raw fish?
Also called: sushi, sashimi, raw salmon, uncooked fish
Caution
Contains an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1), and raw foods can carry germs.
It's best not to. Raw fish contains enzymes that destroy thiamine, a vitamin cats need, and raw foods can carry germs. Cooking destroys these enzymes.
When it's a problem
- Thiaminases in raw fish break down thiamine (vitamin B1); cooking destroys them.
- Raw diets can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that infect cats and their owners.
Where this comes from
Merck Veterinary Manual
Thiaminases are found in raw freshwater fish and clams.
Read "Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals"
Checked 9 October 2026
Cornell Feline Health Center
Given the fact that these diets may contain viable bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can infect cats and their owners
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Merck Veterinary Manual
Thiaminases are found in raw freshwater fish and clams.
some raw forms foods contain antinutritional factors that are destroyed by cooking
Read "Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals"
Checked 9 October 2026
Cornell Feline Health Center
Given the fact that these diets may contain viable bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can infect cats and their owners
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Merck Veterinary Manual
some raw forms foods contain antinutritional factors that are destroyed by cooking
Read "Nutritional Requirements of Small Animals"
Checked 9 October 2026
VCA Animal Hospitals
These items contain high concentrations of enzymes called thiaminases, which degrade thiamine.
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Cornell Feline Health Center
Given the fact that these diets may contain viable bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can infect cats and their owners
Checked 9 October 2026