Can cats eat shrimp?

Updated 21/09/2023

Shrimp: they’re low in calories yet high in protein - sounds like the perfect nutritional profile for cats, right? But can cats eat shrimp, or is shrimp poisonous to cats? Let’s find out…

Can cats eat shrimp?

It’s no surprise that your feline friend is eyeing up the shrimp you’ve just served up. Giving off a savoury, salty aroma of the sea, your kitty just seems to know that it’s going to be good for them (and hella tasty)! So the answer is yes, cats can eat shrimp - they’re seriously high in protein, considering their low calorie profile. Along with the ideal macronutrient make up for our feline friends, they’re also packed with antioxidants like vitamins E and B12, along with iodine, zinc, omega 3 and copper.

Is shrimp good for cats?

On the one hand, shrimp is a pretty healthy treat for your feline friend. It’s high in protein and low in calories and packed with antioxidants. But unfortunately, shrimp must remain only a treat for your kitty - they’re pretty high in sodium, which can be bad news for your feline friend over time. Foods with lots of salt can cause our furry friends to become dehydrated, and even raise their blood pressure - so no daily prawn breakfasts are due on the menu sadly!

Additionally, pet parents should take particular caution with high salt foods in cats with heart, kidney or urinary diseases.

Feeding your cat shrimp 

If you’re thinking about treating your feline friend to a shrimp, make sure it’s deveined and remove the shell (which is a big choking risk), the head and tail. And if you’re cooking your shrimp in garlic, butter, herbs and seasonings, think again about sharing it with your furry friend. Many of the foods us humans enjoy (seasonings included) are toxic to cats. So, if you’re treating your cat to a shrimp, make sure it’s cooked plain.

We also wouldn’t recommend treating your kitty to shrimp on the regular. Why? Well while it might make them happy in the short term (kitties go wild for fish and anything high in protein, for that matter), it could end up putting them off their main food. We can’t say we blame them - a freshly cooked shrimp will probably be a whole lot more appealing than even the finest cat food. So, avoid your kitty turning their cute noses up at their food bowls by only treating them with so-called ‘human’ food on rare occasions.

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

Other foods that are safe for cats

It’s safe to say that a cat food shaped for your kitty’s age, breed and any health issues they’re experiencing is the best way to keep them happy and healthy. They’re nutritionally sound, and you don’t have to worry about any bacterial nasties that might be lurking, or any ingredients that might be toxic to your cat. While that’s all true, sometimes you might want to treat your furry friend. So, be sure to get clued-up on what cats can and can’t eat, learning about the restrictions around even cat-safe foods. To get you started, here are a few foods that cats can eat (just be sure to read up on how to safely feed your cat each of these goodies).

• Eggs
• Bananas
• Cereal
• Bacon