Why Do Cats Like Fish? Should they eat it?

Mar 03, 2025

Author：Jackson Watson

Metadata: Why do cats like fish? Do all the cats love fish? There are some questions, along with many others, you must know before adding fish to your cat's diet.

There is no secret that cats love fish. In fact, there is a long association of cats and fish. We often watch cartoons where cats steal fish from markets, and in some real-life clips where cats steal fish from plates in restaurants.

You may have heard that wild cats wouldn't normally eat fish. However, there is a good reason why your cat is always looking for fish when you open a can of any fish or tuna.

Have you ever wondered why cats like fish so much? Whether it is a matter of taste or smell, there is a biological as well as historical reason behind it.

Here today you will find out everything about why cats like fish. If your cat is one of those cats always looking for fish and going after fish smells, then this article is for you.

Why Do Cats Love Fish? Background:

Domestic cats that we take as pets are a kind of wild cat. Originally belonged to arid regions of the world like the Middle East and North Africa. Occasionally these cats eat small mammals and birds, though fish is not their favorite cat food. Now considering this history, it is quite shocking why cats' eyes light up every time they see a fish.

Using some of the literature, a possible reason could be that living with humans now made cats like that. Now that humans are closer to water sources, most regions rely heavily on fishing, and like that due to the availability of seafood; cats have also adopted it as a food source along with others.

Biological reasons why cats love fish:

Now biologically there are three reasons why cats are attracted to fish.

a,Olfactory and Umami Flavors
b,High in Protein
c,Better brain function and omega-3 fatty acids

Olfactory and Umami Flavors:

Cats have a very strong sense of smell. They have around 200 million scent receptors, which is a huge amount as compared to humans, which is only 5 million. Now it is obvious that fish has a strong smell, and it is one of the reasons why cats are attracted to fish the most.

Likewise, cats have better and sharper taste receptors as well that prefer umami flavors. They find the savory taste in meat and fish. Now fish is rich in amino acids, and these acids are the reason for the umami taste, which cats love.

High in Protein:

Cats do require a diet that is based on proteins. We know fish is rich in sources like high proteins, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. All this content helps cats in muscle development, skin health, and overall cat well-being.

Better brain function and omega-3 fatty acids

Fish is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, especially salmon and sardines. These fatty acids are beneficial for brain function, vision, and heart health.

Wild cats get their required nutrients from mammals and birds, though fish provide more nutrients like fatty acids, which improve their cognitive function and coat health. Domestic cats prefer fish more because they don't have access to other mammals that much.

The Nutritional Benefits and Risks of Feeding Fish to Cats

While fish offers numerous nutritional benefits for cats, pet owners need to be aware of potential risks associated with feeding fish regularly.

Pros and Cons of Fish in a Cat’s Diet

Now, if your cat is attracted to fish, is it necessary to add it to your cat's diet? Well, it may be a personal choice as well as your vet's recommendation. Here are some pros and cons of adding fish to your cat's diet.

Pros:

These are some common benefits of adding fish to your cat's diet. You can still seek your vet's recommendation as well.

Rich in protein:

Fish is best for nutrients like amino acids, which are important for muscle maintenance and overall health. For cats, these nutrients are necessary in their diet to keep their overall health good.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Another nutritional benefit of adding fish to a cat's diet is Omega-3 fatty acids. Brain function should reduce inflammation and the part that enhances the health of a cat's coat.

Palatability:

It is a known fact that cats find fish highly appetizing; in fact, it is useful for picky eaters.

Cons:

There are some potential risks as well if you are feeding fish to cats. It may not be fatal, but it is a must to consult with your vet before adding fish to your cat's diet.

Mercury in Tuna:

There are several factors of contamination, like mercury contamination, which you can find in fish like tuna, which comprise mercury in high amounts. This can be harmful to cats if they eat fish like tuna on a regular basis.

Thiamine Deficiency:

Some owners use raw fish in their cat diets, which is harmful due to enzymes in raw fish called thiaminase. These break down vitamin B1, which can lead to neurological problems for cats.

Allergies:

Based on different regions and their environment as a factor, some cats can have allergies to fish. These allergies develop symptoms like itching, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can later lead to fatality as well.

Imbalance Diet:

It is not recommended to add fish regularly to a cat's diet. One of the reasons is that fish alone cannot deliver all the important nutrients the cat's body requires. Another reason is sometimes fish can trigger the health of a cat as well, keeping the above cons in perspective.

Addiction of Fish for Cats:

Another reason to have different food in a cat's diet is the addition of fish. Adding different protein sources will keep the cat's body in good condition, and it will be safer to feed the cat with only fish. If there is only fish, especially tuna fish, it can trigger especially when it comes to feline food addiction.

Common Hearsay and Myths About Cats and Fish

All Cats Love Fish

It is now a common myth that every cat loves fish. In fact, many will enjoy it, though some cats would rather prefer chicken, beef, or even meat more than fish.

Fish is natural for cats.

As in the historical part, we already mentioned that wild cats didn't eat fish; in fact, the preference for fish for cats developed with time after human influence.

Adding Fish in Cats Diet in Healthy:

Another myth is fish is high in proteins and amino acids, which makes it healthy for fish. There are some benefits of fish for cats, though feeding your catfish regularly is harmful and leads to nutritional imbalances. So it is recommended to consult your cat's vet before adding fish to your cat's diet.

Wopet:

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FAQs:

1.Why do cats love to eat fish?
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Some cats love to eat fish; there are many reasons why they love to eat fish. Fish is rich in proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, which is one of the requirements in cats for better health. Moreover, the smell of fish is highly enticing for cats as well, making it their favorite treat.
2.Why do cats go crazy for fish?
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The aroma of fish appeals to cats. It is full of minerals and proteins. In fact, the sense of taste in cats is able to eat these nutrients, making them go crazy for fish because it is good for their health.

3.Why is my cat obsessed with my fish?
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If your cat is obsessed with your fish, then it might be due to the hunting instinct of your cat. Moreover, a fish has a certain aroma that cats find very pleasing, which can be another reason for it.
4.Do cats get addicted to fish?
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Yes, fish is one of those meals, including meat and chicken, which can be addictive. So despite using fish or any of the others in the cat's diet, use diverse ingredients so your cat doesn't get addicted to only one meal.

Conclusion:

Cats do love to eat fish, though there is some information you need to know before adding fish to your cat's diet. The above is everything you need to know about fish and cats. So if your cat is obsessed with fish like many of the cats, then after your cat's vet's recommendation, you can go for it and add it to your cat's diet.

Furthermore, take a close look at the pros and cons as well, because if your cat has allergies, then feeding fish to cats might trigger their health.

Label:

CATS