Yes, cats can eat sardines!
Sardines canned in water with no added salt are a healthy occasional treat for cats, rich in protein and omega-3s. Avoid sardines in oil, brine or sauce.
| Can cats eat it? | Safe |
| Calories | About 6 kcal per quarter of a sardine (canned in water) |
| Main benefit | Omega-3s for skin, coat and joints |
| Main risk | Oil-packed sardines add fat |
| Kittens? | In tiny amounts once on solid food; kittens have sensitive stomachs |
Free · instant · based on veterinary formulas
Vets recommend keeping all treats under 10% of daily calories. One quarter of a sardine (canned in water) has about 6 kcal. The chart shows the most a typical spayed or neutered adult cat could have in a day if sardines were the only treat.
| Cat weight | Daily treat budget | Max sardines per day |
|---|---|---|
| 6 lb (2.7 kg) | 18 kcal | 2.5 × quarter of a sardine (canned in water) |
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 22 kcal | 3.5 × quarter of a sardine (canned in water) |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 26 kcal | 4 × quarter of a sardine (canned in water) |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 30 kcal | 4.5 × quarter of a sardine (canned in water) |
| 14 lb (6.4 kg) | 34 kcal | 5.5 × quarter of a sardine (canned in water) |
Eating more than the recommended amount usually causes nothing worse than an upset stomach: soft stool, gas or vomiting. Skip treats for the rest of the day, keep fresh water available and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or your cat seems unwell.
Check your cat's full daily needs with the cat food calculator.
Yes. Sardines canned in water with no added salt are a healthy occasional treat for cats, rich in protein and omega-3s. Avoid sardines in oil, brine or sauce.
It is best not to. Fish should be an occasional treat, not a daily staple, unless part of a balanced diet.
Yes, in very small amounts once they are eating solid food. Kittens have sensitive stomachs, so offer a tiny piece and stop if you see loose stool. Most of their calories should come from a complete kitten food.
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This guide is general information for healthy adult cats. Cats with medical conditions (such as diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies) may need different advice from their vet.
Safe
Yes. Sardines canned in water with no added salt are a healthy occasional treat for cats, rich in protein and omega-3s.