Can cats eat shrimp?

Why

Plain, cooked shrimp without shells or seasoning is non-toxic and provides protein, but raw shrimp can carry bacteria and parasites that make cats sick. Additionally, the shells and tails pose a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.

If you do feed it

• Serve only fully cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp with no salt, butter, garlic, or onions.
• Limit treats to one or two small pieces occasionally, not as a regular meal.
• Ensure the shrimp is cooled to room temperature before offering it to your cat.
• Monitor your cat closely after eating to ensure they do not choke or have an allergic reaction.

Watch out for

• raw shrimp
• shells and tails
• seasoned or buttered shrimp
• shrimp with garlic or onion
• sweetened shrimp dishes

Better choices