Can Cats Get Choked on Fish Bones?

Yes, cats can indeed get choked on fish bones. While fish is an excellent source of protein for cats, it often contains many small bones. If these bones are not removed before feeding, there is a risk that your cat may get a bone stuck in their mouth or throat. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that all fish bones are removed before offering any fish to your feline friend.

Some owners choose to feed their cats frozen fish as a high-quality protein source. Cats, with their barbed tongues, are often quite skilled at separating the fish meat from the bones. Comparatively, cats tend to handle fish consumption better than dogs. However, this doesn’t mean that they are entirely safe from choking hazards. Fish bones still pose a risk to a cat’s oral cavity and esophagus. You might sometimes notice a cat coughing or gagging while eating fish, eventually expelling a fish bone. If a cat ingests fish bones, even if they don't cause immediate choking, they can potentially perforate the stomach lining or puncture the diaphragm, chest cavity, or other organs. If your cat experiences any gastrointestinal issues after consuming fish, it's essential to seek immediate veterinary care.

How to Safely Feed Fish to Your Cat

Before feeding fish to your cat, it should be thoroughly cooked in plain water and never given raw. Raw fish can contain harmful bacteria that may endanger your cat's health. During the cooking process, you should discard the fish head, gills, and internal organs. Only the cooked fish meat should be offered to your cat.Free access here:Pet Grooming