Most cat owners don’t know whether cats like fish or not. Well, cats like fish, so cat owners must serve fish to their cats. So, if fish can be given, then other seafood can also be given to the cats. Well, seafood can be fed to cats, but not on a daily basis.
One of the most popular seafood items is a shrimp, so many cat owners are in a doubt whether they should have their cats eat shrimp or not. Well, it is OK to give shrimp, but not on a daily basis. If is given occasionally, then that’s completely fine. Let us discuss more this in detail.
Shrimp suits cats because cats are carnivorous animals, so they won’t take much time noticing what it is. If shrimp is given to cats, they will immediately eat it. The only thing that needs to be taken care of is the quantity of shrimp that is being given to the cats.
TIPS!!! If you have a cat as a pet, then you have to keep in mind that the shrimp should not become an integral part of the cat food. Cat food needs to be different and must include the ingredients that are easy on the stomach for your cat. Shrimp can be a part of the food a couple of times in a week, not beyond that.
If it is a jumbo shrimp, then just serve a morsel to the cat. If the shrimp is small, then a whole shrimp can be served.
I don’t know whether you are aware of the fact that cats can become finicky quickly, so you have to be careful while feeding new things because if you by mistake feed more than the right quantity, then they are going to ask for more.
When you offer shrimp to your cat for the first time, pay attention towards its behavior whether your cat liked the shrimp or not. Also, check the behavior for the next few hours because the symptoms don’t usually appear instantly, but gradually.
Though there are fewer chances of having any side-effects, but it can’t be ignored.
How often shrimp should be given to cats?
Well, it will be better if shrimp is given as a treat and not as a regular food. Also, while giving shrimp as a treat, the quantity has to be medium or low because shrimp contains a good amount of protein, cholesterol, and sodium, which can disturb the digestive system of the cat. Don’t compare your digestive system to that of your cat, as that could pose serious health threats to your cat.
Cats love seafood in general, as it is the smell that drives them crazy and shrimp is no exception. It is a great food item that is healthy. Yet, the quantity needs to be controlled when it comes to feeding it to the cats.
Raw shrimp: Can it be given?
Well, raw shrimp can be given to the cats. There are frozen shrimp packs available on the market, so you can take one shrimp out of the pack, heat it and feed it to your cat. Just check that the shrimp is properly defrosted.
While this procedure is for winters, whereas in summers, cats can be fed raw and frozen shrimp as they will like it.
What if the cat doesn’t like real shrimp?
There is an alternative that can be used. There are imitation shrimps available on the market, which are made out of a white fish, so you can try giving this to your cat. If it likes the imitation shrimp, then you can continue giving this, but again, you have to limit the quantity.
Should shrimp be properly cleaned?
Well, if the cat is eating it for the first time, then you will have to clean the digestive tract of the shrimp. This area has all the substances that shrimp was eating while it was alive. So, you have to get rid of the digestive tract, wash the shrimp with water and cook it.
Doing this will ensure the health and well-being of the cat. There is no need to remove head and tail of the shrimp as cats like to eat all such parts.
