Can Maine Coons Eat Tuna?

If you’re a Maine Coon cat owner, you may be wondering if it’s safe for your furry friend to eat tuna. While tuna is healthy and nutritious food for people, it’s not always safe for pets. In this article, we’ll take a look at the question can Maine Coons eat tuna? and provide some tips on how to safely feed your pet this tasty fish.

Can Maine Coon Cats Eat Tuna?

Maine Coons can eat tuna but they should be only be given tuna on occasion. Tuna, especially canned tuna can be high in salt so your cat shouldn’t eat too much. Tuna also contains mercury which can be harmful to cats. If your Maine Coon cat eats tuna make sure to monitor the amount you give them.

How Much Tuna Can I Give My Maine Coon Cat?

You should always monitor how much tuna you give your Maine Coon cat. Although cats can eat tuna they don’t necessarily need to eat it.

Commercial cat food, wet and dry provides all the essential nutrients cats need to grow strong and healthy.

Moreover, tuna also contains mercury that can be harmful to cats.

Mercury is a toxic metal that can cause health problems in cats, including damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system.

Health Benefits Of Tuna For Cats

The health benefits of tuna include its ability to improve heart health, help in weight loss, reduce the risk of cancer, and improve cognitive function.

Additionally, it’s also high in protein and low in fat. This is great for keeping your cats weight under control.

Tuna is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Some health benefits of omega-3 include reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and helping with joint pain.

Possible Health Risks Of Tuna For Cats

While tuna is a great source of nutrients for cats, it’s also important to be aware of the possible health risks associated with feeding your cat tuna.

One such risk is that tuna can contain harmful toxins, such as mercury. Mercury can be toxic to both cats and humans and can cause a variety of health problems.

Another potential risk associated with feeding cats tuna is that it can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Tuna alone doesn’t provide your Maine Coon cat with enough nutrients it needs to be healthy. That’s why it’s best to only serve it to your cat on occasion.

Is Tuna OK for Maine Coon Kittens?

Sure, it’s ok to give a Maine Coon kitten some tuna, However, bear in mind that they are very small, therefore, they should be given a quarter of the amount you’d usually give an adult Maine Coon cat.

Please read our section below on cats and mercury poisoning for a general guideline.

Fish Alternatives For Cats

There are a variety of different types of fish other than tuna that cats enjoy eating. Some popular choices include:

• Salmon
• Trout
• Mackerel

These three fish are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cats.

The omega-3 fatty acids can help improve coat condition and skin health, while the protein can help maintain muscle mass and energy levels.

In addition, mackerel is a low-calorie fish that is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for cats.

Why Does My Maine Coon Love Tuna So Much?

The reason why most cats love tuna so much is that it is a rich source of protein. Remember, cats are obligate carnivores so they are protein mad.

Also, tuna has a very strong fishy smell which cats love.

We humans know it tastes delicious so we can only assume cats think the same.

Can Cats Eat Canned Tuna In Water?

Canned tuna in water is a safe and the healthiest option for cats. It’s low in fat and calories, it also doesn’t contain added salt or oil found in tuna in brine or oil.

In fact, it’s the best type of tuna to give your cat because it has the least amount of salt.

How Much Tuna Can Cause Mercury Poisoning In Cats?

The FDA recommends different amounts of mercury for reproducing cats and non-reproducing cats. The limit for non-reproducing cats is 267 nanograms of mercury per gram of food. The limit for reproducing cats is 67 nanograms per gram.

If we look at an 85 gram can of tuna that has an estimated 10.7 micrograms of mercury.

We need to divide 10.7 by 85 to get the amount of mercury in micrograms per gram of canned tuna. The answer is 0.12.

0.12 micrograms converted to nanograms is 120.

From these findings, and if we take into consideration the FDA guidelines for cats and mercury, we can see that it’s safer to feed tuna to non-reproducing cats compared to reproducing cats.

According to the calculations, canned tuna nearly has double the allowed mercury limit for reproducing cats.

Can Cats Eat Canned Tuna In Oil?

Yes, cats can eat canned tuna in oil. Tuna is a good source of protein for cats and the oil in the can helps to keep them hydrated. Cats love to lap up the juices

However, too much oily fats can lead to health problems.

If possible it’s recommended to only feed your cat tuna in water and make sure it’s not brine. Any added oils or salts should be avoided.

Can Cats Eat Starkist Tuna?

Cats can eat Starkist Tuna. However, it depends on the type of Starkist tuna. Don’t give your cat any flavored Starkist Tuna. Some herbs and other seasonings can be poisonous to your furry friend.

If you’re thinking about buying Starkist Tuna for your cat, we recommend the light tuna with 25% less sodium brand.

Also, like every other type of tuna, don’t give it to your cat all the time. Keep it in moderation.

Conclusion

Yes, cats can eat tuna in moderation. While tuna is a good source of protein for cats, it also contains mercury which can be harmful in large quantities.

The FDA recommends different amounts of mercury for reproducing and non-reproducing cats, so it’s important to take this into consideration before giving your cat too much tuna.

There are a variety of other types of fish that are safe for cats to eat and provide them with the nutrients they need.

Try to mix things up and give your cat a variety of different fishy flavors. Your cat will thank you for it!