Meats & proteins
Can cats eat salmon?
Plain, cooked, boneless salmon is a nutritious protein treat. Raw and smoked salmon are not.
Portion: About a tablespoon of flaked cooked salmon, once or twice a week.
The short answer
Yes. Cooked salmon is a good occasional treat: high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Bake, poach or steam it plain, remove every bone, and serve a small amount. Avoid raw salmon because of parasites, bacteria and thiaminase. Avoid smoked or cured salmon because it's very salty. Like all fish, it's a treat, not a diet.
Why the verdict
Salmon provides highly digestible protein and EPA/DHA omega-3s. Raw fish carries parasites and bacteria, and contains thiaminase, which destroys vitamin B1; cooking removes all three concerns. Smoked salmon and lox are cured with large amounts of salt, and fish bones can lodge in the throat or gut.
How to prepare it
- Cook thoroughly: baked, poached or steamed.
- Remove all bones and skin.
- No butter, oil, lemon, garlic, onion or dill sauce.
- Never smoked, cured or raw salmon.
Signs of trouble
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Gagging or pawing at the mouth (bone)
- Excessive thirst (salty smoked salmon)
Salmon & cats: FAQ
Can cats eat raw salmon?
It isn't recommended because of parasites, bacteria and thiaminase. Cook it first.
Can cats eat smoked salmon?
No. It's heavily salted. A stolen scrap is unlikely to harm a healthy cat, but don't offer it.
Can cats eat salmon skin?
Plain cooked skin is fatty. A small piece is okay, but skip it for cats prone to pancreatitis or weight gain.
Related foods
See every food that’s toxic to cats →
Sources
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat (accessed 2026-09-29)
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals (accessed 2026-09-29)
Last updated 2026-09-29. We are not veterinarians: this guide summarises published veterinary references and is not a substitute for advice from your vet. See our methodology and disclaimer.