A plain, meaty, soft, and delicious seafood treat is a kind of food your cat will probably never miss. So, “Can cats eat oysters?”. This article will explore all the information regarding the benefits of eating oysters in cats, how to serve oysters to your cat, and whether cats can eat raw oysters.
Can cats eat oysters?
Yes, cats can eat oysters. It is an incredible source of protein. There is no debate on the fact that oysters are healthy for cats, but uncooked oysters are an option for your furry. Beware of your cat’s danger because of a raw oyster. It has bacteria that can cause digestive problems like diarrhea.
Constant diarrhea leads to dehydration, followed by death if left untreated. That’s why providing your cat with cooked, steamed, or roasted oysters is better because we want our cat to live a healthy nine lives. Let’s love forward with our questions without causing any delays!
What are the benefits of eating oysters in cats?
We all know that oysters are a good source of protein for your cat, but what other benefits does it provide? Let’s explore those!
Here are some incredible benefits your cat can get from eating an oyster:
High in protein:
Being carnivores, cats need protein as a principal constituent of their diet. Though cat food contains all the essential amounts of proteins and amino acids, if you want your cat to taste fresh sea protein, oysters are for them.
One hundred grams of oysters contain 9 grams of protein—one fact that makes oysters the best pretentious snack for your cat.
Heart health:
As a regulator of the whole body, the heart must be in the best health to perform all its functions. Oysters are an excellent choice if you want your cat to have good heart health. So what does it contain that makes it suitable for the heart? Oysters are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These types of fatty acids reduce the chances of cardiovascular diseases.
Provide high amounts of energy:
Oysters keep the energy level high in your cat. If your cat is lethargic or weak, you should try oysters for it. They will love the delicious treat, and it will also benefit your cat. It’s a win-win situation oysters can create.
Healthy brain:
Oysters have Vitamin B-12 in abundance. It helps in keeping the brain active and healthy.
Minerals:
Oysters contain a bundle of useful essential macrominerals in it. It is full of calcium, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains vitamins A, B, C, D, and E.
How to serve oysters to your cat?
Cooked oysters are the best possible option for your feline friend. You can serve oysters to your cat in the following forms:
- Smoked
- Canned
- Cooked
While serving oysters to your cat, you should keep the list in check that it should not have oil, salts, preservatives, or other additives.
Can cats eat raw oysters?
Cats should not eat raw oysters. Many health concerns are associated with consuming raw oysters in cats. It contains enzymes that can disturb neural functions in your cat.
Why should cats not eat raw oysters?
If you are thinking of feeding raw oysters to your cat because they belong to wild ancestors, this question will tell you why raw oysters harm your cat’s health. Here are some of the drawbacks of feeding raw oysters to your feline:
Thiaminase:
Oysters contain an enzyme called thiaminase enzyme. This enzyme enters the body and starts to destroy the thiamine reserves. In other words, thiamine is Vitamin B, which is necessary for healthy neural functioning. Thiaminase activity can lead your cat to the following symptoms:
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Coma
Even tiny amounts of thiaminase are enough to get your cat in an emergency.
Bacteria:
Humans suffer from the bacteria that reside in raw oysters, and so do cats. It is known by the name Vibrio vulnificus. It will live in your cat’s gut, and there it will start to create digestive problems. In some acute cases, it can cause death.
Toxoplasmosis:
A prevalent parasite associated with pregnant moms. Though you keep your cat indoors, foods like oysters can affect your cat, and it will lead to toxoplasma in pregnant women. Uncooked forms of sea foods contain this parasite that can be lethal for mom-to-be and your cat too.
Can cats eat oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce has many additives and preservatives in it. These additional ingredients possess the ability to cause health dangers in your cat. It can cause diarrhea and vomiting, leading to electrolyte imbalances in cats. For our cat’s health, we should keep them meters away from such food.
If your cat likes oyster sauce, you can allow it to have some licks from your plate but be cautious about the amount you are providing your cat.
Conclusion:
This article revolved around the question, “Can cats eat oysters?”. We explored all the information regarding the benefits of eating oysters in cats, how to serve oysters to your cat, and how cats can eat raw oysters.
There is no harm in feeding oysters to your cat. But they should be cooked plain and in moderate amounts. We wish you and your cat a healthy seafood treat!
References:
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2007/0815/p539.html
https://www.cuteness.com/article/can-cats-eat-oysters
https://www.hepper.com/can-cats-eat-oysters/
