Since crawfish are widely thought of as a delicious culinary treat, it’s understandable why people would want to determine if they can eat crabs.
Some cats undoubtedly love the taste of crawfish, but it’s essential to know what kind of crab they eat. So, can cats eat crawfish?
As delicious as crawfish is to humans, cats are far less enthusiastic about it. While cats can digest some shellfish and fish, crawfish contain far too much sodium and fat for kitties to enjoy eating them.
In fact, a 6-ounce serving of crawfish contains about 1 oz of fat, which is more than most cats should consume in an entire day! Crawfish also contain very high levels of cholesterol, which could pose a serious health risk for cats.
Can Cats Eat Crawfish?
Crawfish are crustaceans, and crustaceans are a major no-no for cats.
Crawfish are aquatic crustaceans that live primarily in the water and feed on algae and other microorganisms. These mollusks belong to the class Malacostraca, along with shrimp, lobsters, and crabs.
Crawfish have 10 legs that end in various claws and are used for swimming. Crawfish locations range from the southern United States to Central America and the northern coast of South America.
They’re often served boiled or steamed and are also eaten in Cajun cuisine and in gumbos. Some restaurants even serve deep-fried crawfish as a side dish.
However, it’s important to watch out even for small traces of poor-quality seafood.
It’s also crucial to include them in a cat’s diet only under professional supervision.
Health Benefits of Crawfish For Cats
Vitamin b12 is essential in maintaining the proper level of red blood cells.
As a result, it helps in protein metabolism as well as strengthen the cat’s immune system. A Small Dash of Fats – This can lead to digestive problems and even obesity in cats.
Moreover, some cats have eating disorders and can develop pancreatitis by eating too much fat. Crawfish contain high amounts of saturated fats.
High Sodium Levels – Salt is a primary constituent of a crawfish’s makeup and it can also increase the level of sodium in your cat’s body.
Crawfish is high in protein and low in carbs but contains very little fiber. It’s thus very high in protein and lacks carbs and fiber that are essential for the digestive tracts.
This would, in turn, cause the cat to feel full but satisfied for a very short time and would likely result in the stomach and intestines to be bloated. Excessive Iron – Excess iron in the body can impair the cat’s ability to absorb nutrients from other food sources.
Crawfish is an excellent source of B-complex vitamins and selenium, a decent source of niacin, phosphorous and zinc, and a good source of vitamins A and E.
Some cats can consume a small amount of fish, but it’s important to look for high-quality protein sources that are high in omega-3 fats and low in mercury.
Fish that are low in mercury include canned sardines and salmon, as well as salmon oil.
By feeding your cat high-quality cat food with healthy sources of protein like tuna, eggs or chicken, you can help meet his nutritional needs and prevent potentially harmful additives, such as crayfish.
This makes it a fantastic snack for cats but not recommended as the primary source of food for your cat.
Do Cats Enjoy Crawfish?
This is another situation where it will depend on the cat’s preference but my personal theory on why your cat may not appreciate crawfish relates to its high levels of iron content.
If your cat isn’t a huge fan, try giving him in small amounts as a special treat.
I haven’t tried it on any of my cats yet, but humans believe eating crawfish is good for them.
I wouldn’t be shocked if they loved it, but I wouldn’t give it to them regularly either.
Is It Okay to Feed My Cat Seafood?
Compared with some pets, cats usually prefer to eat wet food over dry food.
However, it is worth mentioning that cats that are fed dry food that is exclusively high-protein might not show any signs that they are deficient in any minerals.
Fish contains a great deal of fatty oil, and cats that are given a diet that is high in fat can suffer from excessive weight gain and obesity issues.
Since seafood is high in protein and fat, you should limit the portions of fish that you give to your cat and try to avoid giving your cat seafood on a daily basis.
Cats can digest shellfish, but they shouldn’t eat crustaceans of any kind.
Any kind of crustaceans includes lobsters, crabs and crayfish.
What Kinds of Seafood Can Cats Eat?
Cat lovers should feed their feline friends a wide variety of foods.
Oily fish such as tuna and sardines contain a high level of omega 3 fatty acids which are great for the overall health of a cat’s coat and skin. When it comes to choosing a diet for your cat, it’s essential to consider his or her age and lifestyle.
Kittens need to consume plenty of protein to support their rapid growth and maintain their muscles. Older cats may need to eat cat food that’s higher in fiber to help with their digestion.
However, regardless of their stage in life, all cats need a diet that meets their nutritional requirements. Cats that spend a lot of time outdoors may benefit from adding fish oil to their diet.
If you have any concerns or questions about your pet’s health, you should always consult a veterinarian for professional advice.
How Much Crawfish Should My Cat Eat?
Cats are carnivores and need to eat meat in order to stay happy and healthy.
Crawfish isn’t the healthiest item you can feed your cat so it’s a good idea to serve it occasionally rather than regularly.
Crawfish, like any seafood, lacks numerous elements that cats need for healthy growth so it shouldn’t be eaten regularly.
You may probably safely give your feline friend an occasional treat of crawfish but if you suspect your cat is eating it regularly, ask your vet for recommendations.
If your cat ate a pet crawfish or stole one while you’re not looking, seek immediate veterinary care as this is poisonous to cats and could even be fatal to little pets like puppies and kittens.
Most healthy cats could eat a tiny piece of crawfish almost on a regular basis, as long as it wasn’t its regular diet.
Cats that eat crawfish frequently will gain weight. Crabs are also high in oil and low in fiber, which can cause digestive issues in cats.
Most cat food brands include grain-free cat food and canned foods that are rich in animal protein and taurine, a nutrient that is essential for a healthy heart.
Other ingredients may include plant protein for protein source, vitamins and minerals to prevent deficiencies.
One thing to keep mind is that crawfish is high in sodium, so be careful to avoid overfeeding him which could lead to obesity and other health issues.
Cats should consume no more than 42 mg per day of sodium.
Can Crawfish Kill Cats?
Crawfish are most likely to kill cats when they are fed on in large amounts.
Fish are a major cause of cat poisoning even in small quantities, and similarly, crawfish contains huge amounts of high cholesterol and sodium.
Ingesting significant amounts of cholesterol can cause a number of health issues in cats, including: The consumption of a large amount of cholesterol is dangerous to cats and could even lead to death.
Crawfish contains four times the amount of cholesterol that cats should consume on a daily basis according to a veterinarian that treats cats for heart conditions.
While crawfish aren’t that large, their shell and legs could easily cause choking in cats that eat them often or too much at once.
For your cat’s safety, offer them only a small amount as a special treat and if they don’t like it should feed them something else immediately.
Cats appreciate crunching the crawfish shell and tail, which can also help keep them entertained for a while so your pet won’t get bored easily.
Also Read: Can Cats Eat Fish Sticks?
Conclusion
While cats can eat some seafood and fish, they should avoid eating crawfish due to high fat and sodium content.
Cats that accidentally ingest a serving of crawfish can develop severe digestive issues and other serious health problems. Crawfish can be toxic to cats if too much is consumed and should be avoided at all costs.
If your cat likes crawfish, you shouldn’t be too concerned about it.
However, if you do see signs of lethargy and diarrhea or vomiting, you should take over immediately and seek medical attention for your cat.
Crawfish should be strictly avoided by cats as it can cause gastrointestinal problems if consumed in excessive amounts.
It is always advised to feed cats with cat food as opposed to feeding them with seafood and fish as this could lead to severe health problems later on.
