Can Cats Eat Salmon?

Updated 18 October 2026 · Researched against PDSA, Cats Protection and International Cat Care guidance

Cooked salmon is a rich source of protein and omega-3 fats. Plain and boneless, in small pieces, it is a reasonable occasional treat that most cats will take enthusiastically.

Raw fish carries parasite risk, and a partly fish-based diet contributes to thiamin deficiency and to a painful condition called steatitis. Smoked salmon and gravadlax are cured with a great deal of salt, which is the last thing a cat's kidneys need.

What to watch for in the UK

• Cooked only, no butter, no lemon, no herbs — and no sauce.
• Smoked salmon, gravadlax and fish pie with a cheesy mash are all too salty or too rich.
• Remove all bones, including the fine pin bones.
• Fish-based treats can make a fussy cat fussier; keep them occasional.

If your cat has already eaten it

1. Plain cooked salmon: nothing to do.
2. Smoked salmon: offer water and watch for vomiting; a single piece is unlikely to cause problems, a whole packet is a call to the vet.

Out of hours, use your practice's emergency number. If you can, take the packaging with you — the ingredient list often tells the vet more than the description does. This page explains risk; it cannot diagnose your cat, and it deliberately contains no doses or home treatments.

If your cat is already vomiting, see the cat vomiting guide. For the wider red-flag checklist, use sick cat symptoms. If a plant rather than a food is involved, the toxic plants checklist is the right page.

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