Is Raw fish / raw seafood toxic to cats?
Also known as: sashimi
🚑 What to do right after ingestion
Switch to cooked food or commercial diets; neurological signs need immediate B1 supplementation at the vet.
Toxicity notes
Raw freshwater fish contains thiaminase, which destroys vitamin B1 — long-term feeding causes neurological signs in cats, plus parasite risks.
Poisoning symptoms
- • (after long-term feeding) anorexia
- • Seizures
- • Head tilt
- • Wobbliness
Symptoms can be delayed (e.g. onion/garlic-induced hemolysis may take days) — a pet looking fine right now is no reason to relax.
FAQ
What happens if they eat it?
Raw freshwater fish contains thiaminase, which destroys vitamin B1 — long-term feeding causes neurological signs in cats, plus parasite risks.
Can I make my pet vomit at home?
Home-induced vomiting is not advised: corrosive cleaners, sharp bones or existing neurological signs make it dangerous, and improper technique risks aspiration pneumonia. Vomiting should be induced by a vet with proper drugs at the right moment — most effective within 1-2 hours. So “head to the clinic as soon as you know” beats “try to induce vomiting first”.
Even without symptoms, use the symptom checker to review what to watch for
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