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Salmon is a healthy fish for humans and cats. One day, you may be getting ready to prepare your salmon to bake. It’s sitting on the counter when all of a sudden, your cat jumps up and grabs the fish! She runs off to her favorite place and eats the raw salmon! But can raw salmon make a cat sick?
Has your cat eaten raw salmon? Are you worried the raw salmon will make your cat sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your cat eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about salmon and whether it can make a cat sick. Let’s get started!
What is Salmon?
Salmon is a common name for several species of fish that belong to the Salmonidae family. They are native to the North Atlantic and Northern Pacific regions. The fish travel back to the streams where they were hatched to lay and fertilize their eggs. After this, they die.
These fish are sought by bears and other wild animals. The fish is also caught for human consumption. Humans love salmon for its healthy fats and taste. The fish is also very versatile and can be used in many different recipes.
While salmon is safe for humans, what about cats? Can cats eat raw salmon?
Raw Salmon & Cats
Unfortunately, raw salmon can make cats (and humans) pretty sick. The fish can carry parasites, bacteria, and more.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Raw Salmon Ingestion in Cats
You may notice these symptoms if your cat has eaten raw salmon:
- Fever
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (may be bloody)
- Decreased appetite
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Nasal or eye discharge
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Seizures
If you notice these or other symptoms in your cat, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Raw Salmon Ingestion in Cats
The vet may need to run tests to determine whether the cat has become infected with a parasite or bacteria. If so, your fur baby may need to be treated with anti-parasite medications or antibiotics. She may also need an IV for fluids and to administer other medications.
The vet will also treat diarrhea and vomiting with medications that stop these symptoms. Your fur baby may also require other treatments, depending on her symptoms. In some cases, if her symptoms are severe, your feline friend may need to be hospitalized until she’s in stable condition.
The prognosis is best for cats who receive prompt medical treatment after eating raw salmon. Most cats will make a full recovery. So, it’s best to keep raw salmon out of your cat’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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