Can Cats Eat Salmon Bones? A Complete Guide for Cat Parents

As a cat owner, you want to give your feline friend tasty treats that are also healthy. Salmon is a great human food that cats love, but what about those little bones you often find in canned salmon? Can cats eat salmon bones safely or should you remove them first? I did some research to find out.

An Overview of Salmon Bones

When you open up a can of salmon, you’ll notice some small, soft bones mixed in with the flaky pink flesh. These bones are technically fine, harmless structures called “pin bones” that help support the fillets.

Pin bones are flexible, thin, cartilage-like bones that vary in size from 1 to 5 cm long. They run horizontally along the sides of the fish. While pin bones are edible for both humans and cats, some find them unappealing to eat.

Are Salmon Bones Dangerous for Cats?

The good news is that most salmon bones are not inherently dangerous for cats to ingest. However, there are a few factors to consider before feeding salmon bones to your cat:

• Size of the bones Large salmon bones can pose a choking hazard or damage your cat’s throat or digestive tract But small, soft pin bones are usually fine for cats to eat

• Raw vs cooked Raw salmon bones are more likely to splinter and cause injuries than cooked bones, Make sure any salmon is thoroughly cooked before feeding to your cat,

• Frequency While the occasional pin bone is ok, regular consumption could lead to constipation or obstruction. Limit salmon treats to no more than 10% of your cat’s diet.

• Your cat’s health: Some cats are prone to constipation or have sensitive digestive systems. For these cats, avoiding bones altogether is safest. Check with your vet.

So while most cats can eat the tiny pin bones found in canned salmon, there are some situations where you’ll want to remove the bones first to be safe. When in doubt, take the bones out!

Signs of Trouble After Eating Salmon Bones

Most of the time, cats pass small salmon bones without issue. But in rare cases, you may see some signs of trouble including:

• Repeated gagging or retching
• Coughing
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Bloody stool

If you notice any of these symptoms after feeding salmon bones, call your vet right away as your cat may have an obstruction that requires emergency care. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms resolve on their own.

Tips for Safely Feeding Salmon to Cats

Here are some tips for making sure any salmon you feed your cat is healthy and bone-free:

• Remove all bones if possible, especially if your cat has had issues before
• Use only cooked salmon, never raw, to kill bacteria
• Choose canned salmon packaged for cats to avoid onion, garlic, oil and other harmful ingredients
• Alternate between bone-in and boneless canned salmon for variety
• Limit salmon treats to a few small flakes at a time
• Avoid giving salmon daily to prevent nutritional imbalances
• Speak to your vet about the appropriate diet for your individual cat

With a few precautions, salmon can be a tasty and healthy occasional treat for cats. Just be cautious with bones and watch for any signs of digestive upset. When prepared properly, salmon provides great protein, omega-3s, and other nutrients cats need to stay happy and healthy. In moderation, it can be a nutritious supplement to your cat’s regular balanced diet.

Raw, meaty bones, like chicken necks and wings, are generally safe for cats and can even be beneficial for their dental health and mental stimulation.