{"id":454698,"date":"2023-12-28T03:22:26","date_gmt":"2023-12-28T08:22:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=454698"},"modified":"2024-05-28T03:01:23","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T07:01:23","slug":"can-cats-eat-crawfish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/nutrition\/can-cats-eat-crawfish\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Cats Eat Crawfish? Vet-Reviewed Risk & Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s no secret that felines are seafood lovers. Crawfish might seem safe for your cat, and you might consider giving them a sample. While a small taste of cooked, adequately prepared crawfish won\u2019t hurt your cat, it\u2019s not an ideal snack for them.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Crawfish can pose several problems for our cats and is best avoided to eliminate the risk of adverse reactions. In this article, we’ll examine what exactly it is about crawfish that is undesirable for your cat and the consequences it could have on their body.<\/p>\n

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Cats Shouldn\u2019t Eat Crawfish<\/h2>\n

Crawfish, also known as crayfish or crawdads, are small crustaceans similar to lobsters. Cats shouldn\u2019t have crawfish much, or at all, in their diet. It doesn\u2019t provide sufficient nutrients necessary to keep your cat healthy. Plus, the risks usually outweigh the benefits.<\/p>\n

Raw crawfish can carry lung flukes and bacteria that can make your cat extremely sick. Even cooked crawfish can carry risks of transmitting bacteria, and the shells are a serious hazard to the digestive tract.<\/p>\n

Even though crawfish are aromatic and appealing to most cats, they should avoid them. If they have already consumed a large portion of crawfish, or you notice any unusual signs after they ate a small amount, call your veterinarian for further guidance. They might have you monitor your cat for several hours or days or request you come in.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: MAIAproduction, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Risks of Eating Crawfish<\/h2>\n

Crawfish might sound cat-friendly, but the risks should convince you otherwise. Here are some to consider before letting your cat sample your crawfish boil.<\/p>\n

1. Food Poisoning<\/h3>\n

Raw or spoiled crawfish can carry harmful bacteria, but consuming it hours after it’s been sitting out can also lead to problems.\u00a0Crawfish can carry the risk of foodborne bacteria, such as E. coli, listeria, salmonella, and vibrio. This is very rare for processed crawfish, but it can occur. Your cat can get incredibly sick from these infections.<\/p>\n

Signs of food poisoning include:<\/div>
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