Food safety

Can Cats Eat Sardines?

Safe in small amounts — Sardines for cats.

Safe in small amounts

Why: Plain sardines packed in water are a good source of protein and omega-3s. Choose sardines in water, not oil or sauce, and check for bones. They are salty, so keep portions small.

Safe serving: One small sardine in water, once or twice a week.

If your cat ate sardines: No action needed for a small amount of plain sardines. Offer fresh water if they were salty.

Related: Salmon, Canned Salmon, Shrimp

Why this verdict

Plain sardines packed in water are a good source of protein and omega-3s. Choose sardines in water, not oil or sauce, and check for bones. They are salty, so keep portions small.

Safe serving

One small sardine in water, once or twice a week.

If your cat ate sardines

No action needed for a small amount of plain sardines. Offer fresh water if they were salty.

Related foods

Salmon, Canned Salmon, Shrimp

Check another food

Back to the Food-Safety Checker to check all 90 foods, or see the beginner feeding guide and the feeding estimator.

Before you use the result

Use the result as a starting point for observation and planning. Cats vary by age, body condition, temperament, medical history, and household setup.

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control — People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and the Cornell Feline Health Center — Feeding Your Cat. Chocolate toxicity figures are approximate values from the Merck Veterinary Manual. If your cat ate something on the toxic list, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.