Caution:
Kippers is not recommended for cats.
Overview
Some cat owners ask: can cats eat kippers? The answer is yes—but with caution.
Kippers are smoked herring, and the smoking and salt make them less suitable for cats than plain fish.
Are kippers safe for cats?
Kippers are not toxic to cats.
However, they’re usually high in salt and strongly flavored.
- Tiny amount: usually okay
- Frequent feeding: not safe
- Main concern: salt and processing
Why kippers aren’t ideal for cats
Cats can eat plain cooked fish, but kippers are processed.
Smoking adds salt and intense flavor.
- High salt content
- Strong smoky compounds
- Not balanced for cats
- Easy to overfeed
How kippers are usually prepared
Traditional kippers go through curing and smoking.
- Salted before smoking
- Smoked for flavor and preservation
- Often oily and rich
- Not designed as pet food
Risks of feeding kippers to cats
Problems are more likely if cats eat kippers often.
- Excess salt intake
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased thirst
- Encouraging preference for salty foods
How much kipper can a cat eat?
Keep portions extremely small.
| Cat size | Amount | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Any size | A tiny flake | Very rarely |
Best way to give kippers to a cat
If you decide to offer kippers, preparation matters.
✅ Do
- Remove all bones and skin
- Offer only a tiny piece
- Serve plain, no sauces
- Make it a rare treat
🚫 Don’t
- Don’t feed daily
- Don’t give large pieces
- Don’t use as a meal
- Don’t add extra salt
Better fish options for cats
There are safer ways to share fish with your cat.
- Plain cooked fish with no salt
- Fish-based cat food
- Freeze-dried fish treats made for cats
- Occasional canned fish made for pets
Can kittens eat kippers?
Stick to kitten food only.
Kippers are not a good choice for kittens.
What if my cat ate kippers?
If your cat ate a small amount, it’s usually not an emergency.
- Provide fresh water
- Avoid offering more
- Watch for vomiting or diarrhea
Call a vet if:
- Large amount was eaten
- Extreme thirst or lethargy
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea