Do Cats Really Like Fish When You Feed It to Them Every Day?

For a long time, certain behaviors and preferences of cats have become ingrained in the minds of cat owners: cats like fish, enjoy playing hide and seek, are quick and agile, and need regular grooming. However, some cat owners report that their cats don’t actually like fish. Others say their cats aren’t fond of grooming brushes either. When they try to groom their cats with a brush and then offer some fish treats, the cats often turn their noses up. While these cats may seem picky, they still eat regular cat food. So, what should cat owners do in such situations?

First, Cats Do Need Fish to Some Extent Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require certain nutrients from animal sources. One of the main reasons cats enjoy fish is to obtain arginine and DHA. Cats are unable to synthesize arginine themselves, so they need to get it from their diet. A lack of arginine can lead to symptoms such as retinal degeneration, poor vision, even blindness, and a reduced appetite. For cats, it’s essential to have arginine in their diet, which is why feeding them fish is often considered necessary. This is why many cat owners go out of their way to bring fish home in addition to regular grooming. But Eating Fish Isn’t Without Its Drawbacks Although cats may need fish, there are also some potential risks. Fish bones and spines can be hazardous, as they can get stuck in a cat’s throat or cause other internal injuries. Many veterinarians deal with cases where cats have ingested bones that have caused infections or inflammation. When grooming their cats, owners should be vigilant and watch for any signs of injury or unusual behavior that might indicate the cat has ingested something harmful. Additionally, if cats are fed only fish, it can lead to nutritional imbalances. Cats need a variety of nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorus, which fish alone cannot provide. Raw Meat: Another Aspect to Consider In addition to fish, many cat owners wonder if feeding raw meat is a good idea. The primary risk of raw meat is the presence of bacteria. Uncooked meat can harbor harmful bacteria that might survive even after the meat is eaten. Domestic cats, in particular, may have weaker immune systems, and if they haven’t received proper parasite control, they can easily fall ill. Raw meat bacteria can also be transmitted to the owner or other pets. Therefore, feeding raw meat every day can pose significant health risks. It’s safer to cook the fish or chicken before feeding it to your cat, ensuring it's a well-balanced part of their diet. Commercial cat food should remain the primary source of nutrition to prevent picky eating habits.

Do Cats Really Like Fish? The idea that cats love fish is not a myth, but just like with grooming, some cats may enjoy it while others don’t. Nutritionally speaking, cats do need fish, but they don’t need it every day, and liking fish is not a given for every cat. In other words, while daily grooming and playtime are important, cat owners should take the time to understand their cat's eating habits and nutritional needs to avoid picky eating or accidental ingestion of harmful substances.