Risky as a habit. Raw fish contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine), and regular feeding can cause a serious deficiency. Raw fish may also carry parasites and bacteria. A rare tiny taste is unlikely to harm, but cooked fish is far safer.
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Caution — thiaminase and parasite riskAmount, form, or frequency matters
Can cats eat raw fish? 🐟
Risky as a habit. Raw fish contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine), and regular feeding can cause a serious deficiency. Raw fish may also carry parasites and bacteria. A rare tiny taste is unlikely to harm, but cooked fish is far safer.
Source-linked record · Last reviewed July 17, 2026 · Not veterinary advice
Why this answer
Many raw fish contain thiaminase, which breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1); fed often, this can lead to a thiamine deficiency that affects a cat's nervous system, causing weakness, disorientation, and in severe cases seizures. Raw fish can also carry parasites and bacteria. Cooking destroys thiaminase and kills pathogens, which is why raw fish is the riskier form.
Watch for
Loss of appetite
Weakness, wobbling, or incoordination
Dilated pupils or a hunched posture with heavy feeding
Vomiting
Seizures in advanced thiamine deficiency
How much is okay
None as a routine food; if a cat gets an occasional raw scrap, keep it rare, and rely on cooked fish instead to avoid thiamine loss.
Serve it safely
Cook fish fully to destroy thiaminase and kill parasites.
Remove all bones, which can choke a cat or lodge in the gut.
Do not make raw fish a regular part of the diet.
Sources and evidence notes (3)
Feeding Your Cat
Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Feline nutrition fundamentals: cats are obligate carnivores; complete balanced cat food should be the diet base; treats should stay a small share of daily calories.
People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Multi-species veterinary toxicology list covering alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, citrus, coconut, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, milk and dairy, nuts, onions, garlic and chives, raw meat and eggs, salty snacks, xylitol, and yeast dough.
Poisons
Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Feline-specific poisoning overview covering common household toxin exposures in cats, clinical signs, and the need for prompt veterinary care.
Answer card
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Remove access. Take the food away and move your cat to another room.
Note the facts. What was it, roughly how much is missing, and when? Keep the packaging.
Call before symptoms. For chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, alcohol, or anything sugar-free (xylitol), call a hotline or your veterinarian now — early treatment is easier and cheaper.
Never do this
Do not induce vomiting, feed milk, salt, or oil, or wait overnight to "see how it goes". Signs of chocolate or Allium poisoning can take hours to days to appear.
Go to an emergency vet immediately if
Your cat is collapsing, twitching or seizing, struggling to breathe, drooling heavily, vomiting repeatedly, or wobbly on their feet.
Outside the US? Call your local emergency veterinary clinic — keep the number saved in your phone.
Effective: July 17, 2026
Can Cats Eat It? provides general educational information for cat owners. It is not veterinary, diagnostic, treatment, or emergency advice.
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