Can Cats Eat Swordfish? Safety Tips and Benefits

Swordfish is a popular saltwater fish enjoyed by humans for its texture and taste. But is it safe for cats to eat? This comprehensive guide examines if cats can eat swordfish, the potential benefits and risks, proper preparation methods, recommended serving sizes, and other fish that are safe alternatives.

What is Swordfish?

Swordfish, also known by its scientific name Xiphias gladius, is a large predatory fish species found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. Identified by its distinct long, flat bill resembling a sword, swordfish can grow up to 14 feet long and weigh over 1,400 pounds.

Swordfish is popular on restaurant menus and for recreational fishing due to its large size and meaty texture. The flesh is typically white with a pinkish hue and is moderately high in fat content. Swordfish is often grilled, baked, or broiled and has a savory, mild flavor.

Can Cats Eat Swordfish?

Swordfish can potentially be safe for cats to eat in moderation, as long as it is properly prepared and precautions are taken. The biggest risks of feeding swordfish to cats involve:

• Bones – Swordfish contains many small bones that can easily cause choking or internal punctures. The bones must be completely removed.
• Mercury – Large predatory fish like swordfish can accumulate high levels of mercury. This can cause neurological problems if frequently consumed.
• Sodium – Swordfish is high in sodium, which can be problematic for some cats prone to heart or kidney issues.
• Parasites – Raw or undercooked swordfish may contain harmful parasites like roundworms and flatworms.
• Vitamin E deficiency – Exclusively feeding swordfish can cause a vitamin E deficiency over time.

So while swordfish can make an occasional treat if precautions are taken, it should not make up a substantial portion of a cat’s diet. Moderation is key.

Nutritional Value of Swordfish for Cats

Here is the nutritional breakdown of 3 ounces of cooked swordfish:

• Protein – 19g
• Fat – 4g
• Calories – 99
• Mercury – 0.995 ppm (parts per million)
• Sodium – 360mg
• Omega-3 fatty acids – 0.689g
• Vitamin B12 – 12% RDI
• Selenium – 83% RDI

Swordfish is an excellent source of protein, providing essential amino acids cats need. It’s lower in fat than many fish and rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, selenium, potassium, and iron.

However, swordfish is not a significant source of other nutrients cats require like vitamin E, vitamin A, calcium, or taurine. This makes it unsuitable as a steady part of their diet.

Benefits of Feeding Swordfish to Cats

Here are some of the benefits cats can gain from eating swordfish in moderation:

Excellent Source of Protein

Animal proteins like swordfish provide essential amino acids cats need in their diet for building and maintaining muscles and organs. The high-quality protein in swordfish supports overall health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Swordfish contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. These can provide anti-inflammatory effects and support skin, coat, joint, heart, and brain health in cats.

Vitamin B12

Swordfish is high in vitamin B12, a water-soluble nutrient that supports red blood cell formation and gives cats an energy boost. B12 is important for metabolic function.

Lean and Low-Calorie

With relatively low fat and calories, swordfish can help cats maintain a healthy weight as an occasional treat. The protein keeps cats feeling fuller longer.

Variety in Diet

Adding small amounts of swordfish can add more diversity to a cat’s diet and provide different nutrients than their regular food.

Risks and Dangers of Swordfish for Cats

While swordfish can provide some benefits, there are also risks associated with feeding it to cats:

Mercury Content

As large predatory fish, swordfish contain higher mercury levels since they consume smaller fish. Mercury is a neurotoxin that builds up in the body over time. Consuming swordfish frequently can cause mercury poisoning in cats with symptoms like loss of coordination, seizures, and digestive issues.

Sodium

Swordfish is naturally high in sodium, containing over 100mg per ounce. For cats with kidney disease, heart disease, or hypertension, the excess sodium can aggravate these conditions.

Vitamin E Deficiency

Swordfish has very low levels of vitamin E. If fed as a steady part of a cat’s diet, it could lead to a deficiency in this important antioxidant over time. This can cause problems like a weakened immune system and eye abnormalities.

Bone Hazards

Swordfish bones can easily splinter and pose a major choking risk or internal puncture threat to cats. Any bones must be completely removed before feeding it.

Parasites

Raw or undercooked swordfish may contain parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes that can infect cats if ingested. Thorough cooking kills these parasites.

Due to these dangers, swordfish should only comprise a very limited portion of a cat’s overall diet.

How to Prepare and Serve Swordfish Safely

If you want to feed swordfish to your cat, follow these tips to mitigate risks:

• Purchase fresh, high-quality swordfish from a trusted retailer. Avoid pre-cooked or processed varieties.
• Thoroughly cook the swordfish to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill bacteria and parasites.
• Carefully debone the swordfish and remove all small bones, paying close attention to thinner areas.
• Cut the swordfish into bite-sized pieces for cats. Small cubes or thin strips work well.
• Limit swordfish to an occasional treat 1-2 times per month rather than regular feeding.
• Pair swordfish with vitamin E rich foods like eggs, broccoli, spinach, or tuna.
• Refrigerate any leftovers promptly and serve within 2 days. Discard any spoiled pieces.
• Always supervise cats when self-feeding to prevent choking.

With proper preparations and limitations, swordfish can sometimes be a safe fish treat cats enjoy. But consult your veterinarian about diet advice tailored specifically for your cat.

Feeding Guidelines and Serving Size

When first introducing swordfish, start with very small amounts like 1/2 teaspoon to test your cat’s tolerance. If they have no adverse reaction, the serving size can be gradually increased over time. However, no more than 1-2 ounces per week is recommended due to potential mercury exposure.

For context, a 3 ounce piece of swordfish is about the size of a smartphone or deck of cards. A serving size of 1-2 ounces for a cat is roughly equivalent to a 1 inch cube.

Here are some feeding guidelines to follow:

• Introduce slowly and look for any signs of food intolerance
• Cook thoroughly until flaky and opaque throughout
• Debone completely and cut into bitesized pieces
• Feed pieces that are cooled to room temperature
• Limit to 1-2 times per month maximum
• Do not exceed 1-2 ounces per week
• Immediately cease feeding if you observe an adverse reaction
• Always supervise cats when self-feeding fish

If your cat has any underlying health conditions, consult your veterinarian before feeding fish like swordfish as treats. They can help determine an appropriate diet and serving guidelines.

Other Fish Safe for Cats

While swordfish can be an occasional treat in moderation, there are other fish options with less mercury and more essential nutrients that are safer to feed cats regularly:

Salmon

• High in omega-3s
• Good source of protein and vitamin D

Tilapia

• Low in fat and calories
• Mild flavor cats enjoy

Cod

• Lean white fish with protein
• Low mercury levels

Herring

• High in omega-3s and vitamin D
• Softer bones for easier chewing

Tuna

• Provides protein and omega-3s
• Limit intake due to high mercury risks

Catfish

• Contains vitamin D and B vitamins
• Low mercury levels

Look for wild caught or sustainably farmed varieties of these fish. Talk to your veterinarian about how much fish is appropriate to incorporate into your cat’s overall diet.

Is Swordfish a Healthy Treat for Cats?

In limited amounts, swordfish can provide some benefits thanks to its protein, fatty acids, and vitamin content. However, the concerns over mercury exposure, bones, sodium, and parasites means swordfish should only be an occasional treat for cats rather than a regular part of their diet.

While swordfish meat contains nutrients, cats cannot obtain proper nutrition from fish alone. A balanced cat food optimized with their dietary needs is best for their regular meals. Swordfish can provide a flavorful, protein-packed snack as long as portion sizes are restricted.

Always monitor your cat closely when self-feeding fish like swordfish and stop giving it immediately if you notice symptoms like appetite loss, lethargy, or vomiting. Consult your veterinarian about any diet changes or concerns.

Conclusion

Swordfish makes for an enticing fish-based snack for cats due to its meaty texture and mild flavor. However, there are also notable risks involved with feeding swordfish to cats, including choking hazards from bones and potential mercury exposure. With proper precautions like thoroughly cooking swordfish, completely removing all bones, closely supervising feedings, and restricting intake to occasional small treat-sized portions, cats can sometimes safely enjoy swordfish in moderation. But a balanced commercial cat food should still comprise the bulk of their diet. Discuss incorporating fish like swordfish into your cat’s meal plan with your veterinarian to determine appropriate amounts and frequency based on your cat’s health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

• American Veterinary Medical Association. (2013). Raw diets for dogs and cats.
• ASPCA. (n.d.). People Foods Pets Should Never Eat.
• FDA. (2020). Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish (1990-2012).