Many cat owners assume that since cats seem to love fish, offering them fish bones as a treat is safe. Fish bones, while seemingly harmless, pose significant risks to cats, and feeding them to your feline companion can result in various health complications.
Dr. Harold Brandt, in “Can Cats Eat Fish Bones?” published in the All About Paws website, said the fish bones are bad for cats for the following reasons:
1. Choking Hazard
One of the primary risks associated with feeding fish bones to cats is the choking hazard. Fish bones, especially those found in smaller fish like sardines, can be sharp, brittle, and small. These bones can easily get stuck in the throat, leading to gagging, choking, or even a blocked airway. A cat’s esophagus is much smaller and more delicate than a human’s, and sharp bones can get lodged in the throat, causing immediate distress. Cats are unable to expel these bones easily, and if they are not quickly dislodged, it can lead to a medical emergency.
2. Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Ingesting fish bones can also lead to gastrointestinal obstructions. Fish bones are not easily digestible, especially when they are consumed in larger quantities. They can become lodged anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines, or even further along the digestive system. Obstructions in the intestines can lead to serious complications, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. If a cat ingests fish bones and begins to show signs of discomfort, such as repeated vomiting or refusal to eat, immediate veterinary attention is crucial.
3. Damage to the Esophagus and Digestive Tract
Fish bones, particularly those that are sharp or jagged, can cause lacerations or punctures in a cat’s esophagus, stomach, or intestines. The delicate tissues in these areas are not designed to handle the sharp edges of bones.
“A punctured digestive tract is an emergency situation that can cause peritonitis, a life-threatening infection in the abdominal cavity. Even if the bone does not cause a full blockage, the damage it inflicts on the digestive tract can result in long-term complications, such as chronic infections or the formation of scar tissue, which can disrupt normal digestion,” said Dr. Brandt.
4. Risk of Bone Fragments Getting Stuck in Teeth or Gums
Fish bones can also become stuck in a cat’s teeth or gums. The sharp edges of fish bones can pierce the soft tissue inside a cat’s mouth. If a bone fragment becomes lodged between the teeth or in the gums, the cat may have difficulty eating, drool excessively, or show signs of oral discomfort, such as pawing at the mouth. In some cases, the stuck bone may require professional removal by a veterinarian. This leads to unnecessary expense.
5. Potential for Thiamine Deficiency
Feeding your cat too much fish, even without the bones, can result in a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1), which is essential for maintaining proper neurological function. Fish contains an enzyme called thiaminase, which breaks down thiamine in a cat’s body. Over time, a thiamine deficiency can lead to neurological issues, such as muscle weakness, seizures, and impaired motor function. While this concern is primarily tied to excessive consumption of fish rather than bones specifically, it is an additional reason feeding cats fish-based diets, especially ones that contain bones, should be done sparingly and with caution.
Better Alternatives for Cats
Rather than offering fish bones, there are far better and safer alternatives for treating your cat.
“Cooked fish without bones, skin, or seasoning can be a rare treat, but it should not be a staple in a cat’s diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet primarily made up of meat, and while fish contains some beneficial nutrients, it should be balanced with other animal proteins like chicken,” said Dr. Brandt.
Commercial cat food, designed to provide balanced nutrition, are the best option for ensuring your cat gets the right nutrients without the risks associated with feeding raw or bone-in fish.
What to Do if Your Cat Eats Fish Bones
If you suspect that your cat has eaten fish bones, make sure to monitor them closely for any signs of distress. Symptoms such as coughing, gagging, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, vomiting, or a refusal to eat may indicate that a bone has become lodged in the throat or digestive tract. In such cases, immediate veterinary attention is necessary. If the bone has caused an obstruction or punctured the digestive tract, your veterinarian may need to perform surgery to remove the bone and repair any damage.
About the Author: Niko Gabriel Salgado is a graduate of consular and diplomatic affairs from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, and worked at the House of Representatives. He is now an entrepreneur and a volunteer of the animal welfare group Save Animals of Love and Light- Save ALL.
