Last Updated on October 1, 2026 by admin
Quick answer: Yes, most cats can eat a small amount of shrimp as an occasional treat, as long as it’s fully cooked, plain, peeled and deveined, with the shell, tail and legs removed. Boiled, steamed or baked shrimp with nothing added is best. Don’t give cats raw shrimp, shrimp shells or tails, or shrimp cooked with garlic, onion, butter, salt, breading or sauces. A bite or two is plenty.
Shrimp is a lean animal protein, so it suits a cat’s carnivorous diet better than most human snacks. It’s still a treat, though, not a meal: it doesn’t provide the full range of nutrients a complete cat food does.
Is Shrimp Good for Cats?
Plain cooked shrimp is high in protein and low in fat and calories, and it contains some vitamin B12, niacin, selenium, zinc and small amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. That makes it a reasonable occasional reward, especially for cats who love strong seafood smells. It isn’t a health supplement, and there’s no need to add shrimp to a cat’s diet for nutritional benefits if they eat a complete and balanced cat food.
Shrimp is also relatively low in mercury compared with large fish like tuna, so mercury isn’t a concern in treat amounts.
Can Cats Eat Raw Shrimp?
No. Raw shrimp and other raw shellfish can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria and Vibrio, and parasites. Raw seafood can also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1), which cats need. Freezing or rinsing doesn’t make raw shrimp reliably safe. Cook it thoroughly, and wash your hands, utensils and counters after handling raw shrimp.
How to Prepare Shrimp for Your Cat
- Cook it fully by boiling, steaming or baking until opaque and firm.
- Add nothing: no salt, butter, oil, garlic, onion, lemon, spices or sauce.
- Peel and devein, removing the shell, tail and legs.
- Cool it to room temperature.
- Cut it into small pieces so your cat can’t gulp a large chunk.
How Much Shrimp Can a Cat Have?
| Cat | Suggested treat amount |
|---|---|
| Average adult cat (8–10 lb) | 1 small shrimp or 1–2 pieces of a larger one, once or twice a week |
| Small or senior cat | Half a small shrimp |
| Kitten | A tiny taste at most; focus on kitten food |
All treats combined should stay under about 10% of your cat’s daily calories. Ask your vet before offering shrimp if your cat has kidney disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, obesity, food allergies, a sensitive stomach or a prescription diet.
Shrimp Foods to Avoid
- Fried, breaded or tempura shrimp
- Shrimp scampi or shrimp cooked in garlic butter
- Cocktail shrimp with sauce
- Spicy, salted, smoked or dried seasoned shrimp
- Prawn crackers and shrimp chips (see prawn crackers and cats)
- Shrimp shells, tails and heads
Can Cats Eat Shrimp Shells or Tails?
No. Shells and tails are hard, sharp and hard to digest. They can cause choking, irritate the mouth and stomach, or cause a blockage. If your cat steals some, remove the rest and watch for gagging, vomiting, not eating, a painful belly or straining in the litter box, and call your vet if any of these appear.
What If My Cat Ate Raw or Seasoned Shrimp?
A small piece of plain cooked shrimp usually causes no trouble. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, itching or facial swelling, which can signal a food sensitivity, and don’t offer more until you know how your cat tolerates it.
If your cat ate raw or spoiled shrimp, a large amount, shells, or shrimp cooked with garlic, onion or a lot of salt or butter, call your vet or a pet poison line, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply). Don’t try to make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Can Cats Be Allergic to Shrimp?
Yes, though it’s uncommon. Shellfish can trigger food allergies or intolerances in some cats. Signs include itching, especially around the face and ears, vomiting and diarrhea. Rarely, a cat may have facial swelling or trouble breathing, which needs emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats eat cooked shrimp?
Yes, plain cooked shrimp without shells or seasoning is safe as an occasional small treat.
Can cats eat shrimp every day?
It’s better to keep shrimp to once or twice a week. Daily seafood treats can encourage picky eating and unbalance the diet.
Is canned or frozen cooked shrimp OK?
Frozen plain cooked shrimp is fine once thawed. Canned shrimp is often salty; rinse it well or skip it.
What other seafood can cats eat?
Plain cooked fish and some shellfish are fine in small amounts. See our guides to sardines, crab meat and squid, and avoid raw fish and fish bones.