Can cats eat tuna?
Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.
Tuna is only for small amounts, or in certain forms, for cats. The VCA page says cats of all ages should not eat tuna, even as a treat. It lacks nutrients cats need and is high in fat, and a few ounces can be a big share of a cat's daily calories. It is also not fortified with vitamin E or other antioxidants.
Checked October 29, 2026.
Why
The VCA page says cats of all ages should not eat tuna, even as a treat. It lacks nutrients cats need and is high in fat, and a few ounces can be a big share of a cat's daily calories. It is also not fortified with vitamin E or other antioxidants. If it is ever a treat, make it tiny.
How to serve it
A tiny taste at most; cats need complete cat food.
Good to know
Cats love tuna, but it is not a complete food. A few ounces can be more than a third of the calories many cats need in a day.
Watch for: Tuna packed in oil or with salt and flavorings adds fat and salt.
Already ate it?
If your pet ate a lot, or you are worried, call your vet. Say what was eaten, how much and when, and have your pet's weight ready.
Poison emergency? Call now
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435, 24 hours a day, every day. A consultation fee may apply.
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661, 24/7. $99 per incident, follow-up calls included.
Or call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.
For the children
"Tuna is only a tiny treat for cats, and only a grown-up decides how much."
A job: Be the label reader. Before a grown-up shares any food with the cat, check this page, and ask a grown-up if the food is not on it.
This page is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. Your own vet knows your cat. Cats differ.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: True or False: Milk and tuna are great foods for cats (checked October 29, 2026)
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Using Food and Treats for Training Dogs (checked October 29, 2026)