In this brief guide, we will answer the query, “Can I feed my cat canned tuna?” and will discuss the benefits of feeding tuna to cats.
Can I feed my cat canned tuna?
No, you can’t feed your cat canned tuna. The high mercury content in tuna is perhaps one of the worst things about tuna. Even in humans, excessive amounts of mercury work as a neurotoxin, affecting the brain and nervous system. As cats have a considerably lesser body weight than humans, their mercury tolerance is also lower. Therefore, the amount of tuna you give your cats is crucial to restrict.
Why is tuna dangerous to cats?
“Neurological Changes in Cats following the Mercury tainted tuna’s long-term diet” was the title of a 1974 study conducted by Louis W. Chang, Seiya Yamaguchi, and Alden W. Dudley, Jr.The item is behind a paywall, unfortunately; however, it is accessible online and you may see the first and abstract pages.
Over the years I don’t think the quantities of mercury permitted in tuna have altered. Even now, the average level of mercury detected in Tuna is 0.5ppm. It is crucial to remember, however, that the EPO takes no steps until it reaches 1.0 ppm, which implies that both ranges are likely to be below and below 0.5 pm to achieve this average. The FDA also maintains a surveillance program.
What are Thiaminase and its effects?
In canned tuna and uncooked fish, there is another hazardous substance. The drug is thiaminase. Thiaminase is an enzyme, usually known as vitamin B1, which targets and inhibits thiamine metabolism. Cats need high levels of B vitamins in their diets, which would cause them a thiamine deficiency if a cat were fed too much raw fish. Seizures and lack of bodily mobility are some of its adverse effects.
Watching what the tuna is packed with is also essential. The tuna is water or oil-packed. The oil is not good for cats since it can create a deficit in vitamin E which in turn leads to muscular problems1. So certainly, you want only the tuna packed in water to try and stick to.
Precautions
Take a look at the components. Tuna is salted or unsalted, too. No salted tuna should be purchased since it may create electrolyte imbalances in cats. Some tuna had also been put in it with onions and garlic. Both of them are cat’s toxins.
I would advise you to look for other things, if your cat has any allergies to fish, because fish is one of the cats’ most prevalent allergies, and if the cat is addicted to the flavor of fish. As youngsters, they’ll take the wonderful degustation meal to choose between something delicious and nutritious. All of this is mentioned. It is not hazardous that your cat(s) are sometimes given a small piece of tuna as a treat.
But keeping it in moderation is extremely essential. There are good tuna applications. It can be used to trap stray cats for fishing and release programs since it smells so strong. A little tuna, mixed in, can cause a cat to eat ill and/or not eat.
Benefits of tuna for cats
If you feed your cat a moderate amount of tuna, it is indeed a good treatment with EPA (eicosatetraenoic acid) and DHA, necessary omega-3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid). These chemicals are very useful since they are:
· Encourage overall growth and development
· Maintain blood pressure
· Boost eyesight
· Enhance blood circulation
· Reduce free radicals in the blood
· Improve immunity
· Give the cat energy
· Contribute to the overall health of the cat’s skin and coat
· Assist to heal arthritis
· Keep the cat well-hydrated
· Encourage weight loss
Tunas may be helpful for kittens from time to time. Keep in mind though those young cats continue to develop. You thus need to give them a special diet that does not contain many tuna components. Specially made kitten foods give important nutrients, and tuna might put your new cat at greater harm than good. Indeed, steatites, seizures, and mercury toxicity are too likely to be present to be unreasonable.
Alas, canned tuna includes mercury, making it hazardous to felines. If your cat consumes sometimes just a little canned tuna, poisoning is unlikely to be a problem. On the other hand, it is frequently challenging to regularly consume this meal, particularly if it is cured of salt and oil or includes artificial flavors.
Before you serve it to your cat, carefully clean the fish, especially if you want to fuel it with human canned tuna. Canned tuna does not hold all the vitamins and minerals your cat requires for human use. In contrast, canned cat feeds with tuna include all the nutrients essential and are excellent for the health of your cat.
Other FAQs about Tuna that you may be interested in.
How many times a week can you eat tuna?
What is the difference between albacore and yellowfin tuna?
How much tuna is safe for cats?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the query, “Can I feed my cat canned tuna?” and discussed the benefits of feeding tuna to cats.
Reference
https://pets.stackexchange.com/questions/2590/is-it-okay-to-feed-my-cats-canned-tuna