can cats eat sushi
Cats should not eat regular sushi, especially anything with raw fish or seasonings; a tiny piece of plain, cooked fish from sushi is the only relatively safe exception and should be rare.
Quick Scoop
Is sushi safe for cats?
- Most experts say no , you should not deliberately feed your cat sushi.
- The main problems are raw fish, salty sauces, and extra ingredients that don’t suit a cat’s digestive system.
Why raw fish is risky
- Raw fish can contain parasites and bacteria that may upset your cat’s stomach or make them seriously ill.
- Some raw fish contain thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1), which cats need for healthy nerves; deficiency can lead to neurological issues like seizures.
Hidden dangers in a sushi roll
- Seasonings & sauces: Soy sauce, wasabi, rice vinegar, and spicy mayo are too salty or irritating for cats and can contribute to dehydration, high blood pressure, and stomach upset.
- Rice & carbs: Sushi rice is basically empty calories for cats and can promote weight gain if given often.
- Other fillings : Onion, garlic chives, certain veggies, cream cheese, and tempura batter can be unsafe or at least not healthy for your cat.
When is “cat sushi” okay?
If you really want to share the vibe:
- Use cooked, plain fish (like baked or steamed salmon or shrimp) with no salt, oil, garlic, or sauces.
- Offer a tiny bite only sometimes, not as a regular snack or meal.
- You can wrap a sliver of cooked fish in a bit of plain, unsalted seaweed if your cat likes it, but skip the sticky seasoned rice.
What if my cat already ate sushi?
- Check what was in the piece: raw fish, onions/garlic, sauces, or lots of salt raise the risk.
- Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, wobbliness, or not eating; if you see any of these or your cat ate a lot, contact your vet or an emergency clinic for advice.
If in doubt, treat sushi as a human-only treat and use vet-approved cat snacks or plain cooked meat for your feline foodie instead.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.