Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by admin
Short answer: Sashimi is not a good food to offer a cat. A tiny accidental nibble of plain, very fresh fish is usually less concerning than a full serving, but raw fish is still risky enough that it should not be a regular treat.
Raw fish can carry bacteria and parasites, and some fish contain thiaminase, an enzyme that can break down thiamine (vitamin B1) if cats eat raw fish often. Cats also should not eat sashimi that has soy sauce, salt, wasabi, ginger, or other seasonings on it. Sodium-heavy sauces and added ingredients can turn a small bite into a much bigger problem.
Why raw fish is a bad habit
Frequent raw fish feeding is the real concern. Veterinary guidance warns that raw diets can expose cats to harmful bacteria, and Cornell notes that raw meat is not recommended because of infectious disease risk. Merck Veterinary Manual also lists raw fish diets as a cause of thiamine deficiency because they may contain thiaminase.
If your cat stole a small bite
If it was just a tiny, plain nibble and your cat is acting normal, remove the food, offer fresh water, and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, or wobbliness. If the fish was seasoned, heavily salted, old, or part of sushi with sauces, call your veterinarian sooner. If your cat develops tremors, severe weakness, trouble breathing, or collapse, treat that as urgent.
What is safer
If you want to share fish occasionally, cooked plain fish is a much safer option than raw sashimi, and even that should stay a small treat rather than a meal. A complete cat food should still do the real nutritional work.
For more on safe feeding, see What Can Cats Eat? The Complete Food Safety Guide, What Can Cats Eat From the Fridge?, What Can Cats Eat at Home? A Complete Guide to Feline Nutrition, and Can Cats Eat Anchovies? Safe Types, Portions, and What to Avoid.