Fed up with trying to get your kitty to eat its usual food? You may think that peeking in the human food section is the solution, but some of these can be harmful to cats. Like, can cats eat lemon pepper tuna? Learn here if this seemingly normal meal is bad for your feline friend.
Cats are omnivores, needing a balanced diet of animal and plant-based foods. Tuna is sometimes given as a treat, but there may be better choices. Usually, cats can eat small amounts of canned tuna. However, lemon pepper tuna should be avoided. This is because the lemon peel in this type of tuna is poisonous to cats and could cause severe health issues if consumed.
Be mindful of any foods that could make your cat sick before you give them anything out of the ordinary. Knowing which foods are safe for cats and which contain damaging ingredients will keep your feline friend healthy and happy.
What is Lemon Pepper Tuna?
Lemon pepper tuna is a special type of tuna that has been flavored with a blend of lemon zest, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and sea salt. It can be served as a topping for sandwiches or as part of a meal. In some countries, it is usually canned and sold in grocery stores.
This tuna is popular for its unique flavor. People often like its taste more than plain fish. The lemon adds a bright citrus flavor, while the pepper adds a spicy kick. This combination makes an interesting flavor profile that can enhance your dishes.
However, cats should not eat lemon pepper tuna. Lemon peel contains a compound called Citrus Limon. It is toxic to cats if consumed in large amounts or often. So, it is best to keep cats away from all types of lemon-based foods.
Is Lemon Pepper Tuna Safe for Cats?
No, cats should not eat tuna with lemon pepper seasoning. Tuna, by itself, is not toxic to cats. However, there are multiple reasons why it is hazardous to their health.
- One, the lemon peel contains ‘Citrus Limon‘, which is a toxin. If ingested, it can cause internal damage and irritation.
- Two, fish and seafood have high levels of histamine. If too much builds up in the cat’s body, it could lead to serious health issues.
- Three, most canned tuna has too much salt. This can be bad for the cat’s digestive system.
It is best to avoid tuna altogether. As an occasional treat, humans can share small amounts of boiled chicken or turkey without added spices or seasonings.
The Citrus Limon Compound
Cats should not consume Lemon Pepper Tuna, as it contains Citrus Limon compound. This compound is a powerful organic solvent known as limonene and its derivatives. If a cat ingests this compound, it can lead to vomiting, an upset stomach, dizziness, dehydration, and even liver failure. Humans are not affected by eating this food, but cats are, so it is best to avoid it altogether.
Human food that contains spices or seasonings should not be given to cats. Even if your pet looks interested or if only a tiny amount is eaten, it is best to prevent potential harm and not feed them these types of foods.
The Dangers of Citrus Limon for Cats
Citrus Limon, an essential oil found in lemons, limes, and oranges, can be toxic to cats. Ingesting the fruit rinds and leaves can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In extreme cases, it can even damage the kidneys or liver.
This compound is also present in butter-flavored popcorn seasoning, as well as some types of lemon pepper tuna. Even if the concentration is low in some fish products with lemon, it’s best to avoid feeding your cat any human food that contains this compound.
If your cat displays any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for further advice on how to keep your cat healthy.
Alternatives to Lemon Pepper Tuna for Cats
Cats can enjoy a variety of seafood. Sadly, lemon pepper tuna isn’t one of them as the citrus peel used in it can be toxic. Fortunately, there are other fishes that cats can eat safely. Here are a few:
- Smoked Salmon – Wild-caught salmon has essential Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and calcium.
- Tuna – Plain tuna is an inexpensive source of lean protein. Get 100% solid white albacore, yellowfin, or skipjack varieties to avoid unhealthy additives.
- Mackerel – This fish is low in mercury and high in Omega-3s. It also offers bone health benefits and better joint movement.
- Herring – Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, vitamins A & D, as well as minerals like phosphorus and selenium. It helps maintain an optimal immune system function.
What to Do if Your Cat Consumes Lemon Pepper Tuna?
If your cat has eaten lemon pepper tuna, watch out for signs of toxicity. These could include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lethargy, anorexia, drooling, and more. Contact a vet if you see these symptoms.
If you see them eating tuna with lemon peel, take action:
- Wash their mouth out with water.
- Give them fresh water.
- Don’t use bowls with lemon pepper tuna residue in them.
- Finally, switch their food – don’t let them get used to citrus peels or onion powder, which can be deadly for cats.
Conclusion
When it comes to feeding your cat, it’s important to ensure the food is safe and nutritious. Lemon pepper tuna is not ideal, as it contains Citrus Limon, which can be dangerous to cats if they eat too much. Additionally, tuna has high levels of mercury, which can be toxic if eaten often. Therefore, you’ll need to look for other options. Consider cooked lean meats such as chicken or turkey, cooked veggies like carrots or green beans, cooked grains such as brown rice or oatmeal, and canned wet foods created for cats. Don’t forget to provide fresh water daily for your cat’s hydration and health!
