Can cats eat salmon?
Yes, a little cooked salmon is fine as an occasional treat. Serve it plain, with no bones or seasoning, and keep it small. Fish shouldn't replace a cat's complete food.
Updated:
Why
Cats Protection lists cooked salmon with no bones or seasoning among safe festive foods and says small amounts of cooked fish such as salmon are suitable. RSPCA Australia says tinned salmon in spring water can be an occasional treat. Raw fish is different: it may carry bacteria and parasites.
What to do
Offer a small piece first. If your cat gets vomiting or diarrhoea afterwards, stop and ask your vet. Remove any bones you find.
How to give it
Cooked, plain, boneless and unseasoned, or tinned in spring water; a few small pieces now and then.
Questions and answers
Can cats eat raw salmon or sushi?
It's best not to. Uncooked fish may contain harmful bacteria and parasites, so fish for cats should be properly cooked.
Related foods
All foods: What can cats eat?Sources
- Christmas dinner: Can cats eat turkey? — Cats Protection blog (1 Dec 2025, RVN Helen Crofts)
- Easter treats for cats: safe ideas for spring — Cats Protection (2026-03-20)
- What should I feed my cat? — RSPCA Australia (updated 2025-11-20)
- Cats and human foods — Cats Protection
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic cat: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.