Your mother has probably told you this countless times: fish is good for you. But is feeding fish to cats a good idea? Well recent research is suggesting that it probably is. And that's great news for cats, as most felines love the taste of fish.
Are All Fish Created Equal?
You might be tempted to think that if fish is so great that you can just dish up the odd treat of a little Dover Sole, lightly steamed, or poached in milk. But if you really want your cat to receive the maximum nutritional benefit from fish, read on…
Like any other ingredient, fish should be given as part of a balanced diet. And there is mounting evidence to show that you can get a lot of benefit from eating just some particular nutritional components of fish.
First off, fish is a great source of protein, whether you are a cat, or a cat owner. That means that pound for pound, it supplies a good amount of protein that is very usable by cats' bodies. It has the right amino acids - the components of protein - in the ratios we need them, although it's not going to be an exact match.
On the negative side, some kinds of fish can also destroy certain vitamins. So, feeding fish to cats is a bit of a science, if nutritional balance is to be achieved. Another problem for cat owners is that cat food that has a lot of fish in it, frankly, smells horrible and can linger!
Technology
Thankfully that's where technology can lend a helping hand. By extracting the best nutrients from the fish and adding them to cat foods, your cat can get the useful health benefits whether they eat their favorite chicken, beef or lamb varieties.
Even if you don't have a degree in fishmongery, you would probably suspect that white fish, such as sole and cod, is going to differ from oily fish, such as Mackerel and Tuna. In fact, if we were to isolate just one 'super-nutrient' that can be found in fish, then it has to be fish oil.
Your natural inclination may be to opt for white fish, but these contain very little of the valuable oils, so, it's the oily fish that should be your first choice.
Tasty Tips
The Healthy Option
The studies that scientists are publishing about the benefits of fish oils are just astounding. Want your cat to have good eyesight? Try fish oils. Your old cat is stiffening up? Try fish oils. Wish your cat was a bit brainier? Try fish oils.
Veterinary surgeon, Libby Sheridan from Hill's Pet Nutrition explains it like this, "There is a particular fish oil called DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, that we know is involved in neurological development - that's development of the brain and its connections. Although some of that development occurs while the kitten is still in its mother's womb, it's clear that some changes are still occurring after birth.
That makes sense because the brain has to remain 'plastic' for a time to encompass all the information being assimilated from the animal's surroundings as they see, hear, touch and experience a whole raft of new things. We now supplement all our kitten foods with DHA, the nutrient that helps to power this ongoing development. Everyone can have a more alert and adaptable cat, just by feeding their kitten correctly during the first few months."
A question of balance
In the body there is a balancing act going on with respect to these special kinds of fatty acids. There are two broad types, called omega 6 and omega 3.
Valuable forms of omega 3's are found in some vegetable oils, such as linseed (flax) and fish, particularly oily fish. Each group holds the other groups effects in check to some extent. So, by giving more of one kind and less of the other, different effects may be seen. It is generally thought that a diet that is high in animal fats will result in more omega 6 compared to omega 3 and that there might be scope for pets (and possibly people) to eat a lot more omega 3s and stay healthy.
A few words of caution, however: don't be tempted to just give extra fish oil to your cat. Too much of any one nutrient can throw the body out of kilter and cause problems. Get veterinary advice before supplementing a diet, especially if your cat is ill. In most cases there will be a correctly formulated supplement that your vet can prescribe, or a suitable veterinary formulated special diet that can meet your pet's specific needs for all nutrients and that is tailored for that medical condition.
For owners of healthy cats, Libby Sheridan has some sensible advice, "When shopping for cat food don't get too distracted by the glamour-puss on the label. Look for the labels that say the food has added fish oils: we're so convinced of the validity of this research that we made the decision to supplement all our feline dry diets. And always buy a reputable brand where you know the right oils have been used, sourced from the right kinds of fish from clean, unpolluted waters."
Just like your mother told you: fish is the healthy option!
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Liver & Chicken Entrée
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinners Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Related articles
Managing Your Cat's Bad Breath: Causes and Remedies
Managing Your Cat's Bad Breath: Causes and Remedies
Why Is My Cat Shaking and Shivering?
Why Is My Cat Shaking and Shivering?
Cat & Kitten Swollen Belly: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Learn the many causes that can give your cat or kitten a swollen belly, from organ-related issues to simple gas, how it's diagnosed and treatment options.
Why Do Cats Meow?
Learn what your cat's meow really means, so you can understand what they are trying to communicate to you.
Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
While upper respiratory infections in cats are common, they can still be concerning. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis & treatment options for URIs.
Can Cats Eat Eggs?
Discover whether or not your cat can eat eggs and what the benefits or potential hazards are if she does.
Understanding Lungworms in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & More
Learn the key indicators that your cat could be dealing with lungworms, such as coughing fits, and how they are treated.
Interactive Cat Toys
Discover fun, interactive cat toys that will entertain your kitty, including puzzles and other cat toys that dispense food!
Leaving a Cat Home Alone: How Long is Safe?
Concerned about leaving a cat home alone? Considering if she's a kitten or senior cat and her relationship with you can help you decide how long is safe.
Is Milk Actually Good for a Cat?
It is a common misconception that cats should be given milk regularly as a treat.
How to Handle Cat Spraying
Puppy, kitten and pet dieting, cat nutrition and dog nutrition information from Hill's Pet
Cat Food Ingredients: What Should Go Into Your Cat's Food?
Unsure which ingredients are important to your cat's diet? Learn which types of cat food ingredients are necessary and how they benefit your cat's health.
Meal Feeding vs. Free Feeding Cats: What's Best?
Curious if your cat can eat on her own schedule? Learn about free feeding, how it can impact your cat's diet, and if this method is a good fit for her.
Are Bananas Safe for My Cat?
Are bananas safe for your cat? Learn helpful information on whether bananas are a good treat for your cat and why other options might be better.
How to Care for an Injured Cat
Cat injuries require special attention—earn how to recognize a cat injury, details about cat wound care and recommendations for helping cats heal at home.
Cat Food Puzzles: How They Benefit Your Cat
Cat food puzzles let your feline channel their hunter-gatherer side and can also help with weight management. Learn about different types & benefits.
Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way
Discover how to train your cat, starting with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
How to Help Your Cat's Behavioral Problems
Learn why cats exhibit behavior problems, such as scratching and spraying, and training steps you can take to help correct her bad habits.
What Is Cat Chirping and Why Do Cats Do It?
Discover what cat chirping sounds like, why cats make that sound and what their body language when they chirp might mean.
Can Cats Have Schizophrenia?
Can cats have schizophrenia? Maybe, but it's more likely feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.