Can cats eat shrimp?

Why

Shrimp is not toxic to cats and provides protein, but it must be prepared without any seasoning, garlic, or butter. Raw shrimp can carry bacteria and parasites that make cats sick, and the shells pose a choking hazard.

If you do feed it

• Serve only fully cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp with no salt or seasonings.
• Limit treats to a small piece (about the size of a pea) once or twice a week.
• Always remove the tail and legs to prevent choking.
• Introduce slowly to check for any allergic reactions.

Watch out for

• raw shrimp
• shrimp with shells or tails
• seasoned or buttered shrimp
• shrimp cocktail with sauces
• fried shrimp

Better choices