Updated: August 11, 2022 by Kristen Chapple
Seafood in general is very healthy for us as it contains many nutrients required by humans that cannot be found in other food. Crab is in the same category and it is quite a delicious treat for us but can cats eat crab? It is difficult to imagine that they would be able to eat that flesh in the wild but that doesn’t mean that it’s bad for them. Let us find out all about this subject!
Nutritional Value
Very rich in proteins, crab also has many minerals, vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids that make it very healthy for both us and our furry friends. Vitamin D especially is considered to have the function of a steroid hormone and thus it protects the heart from cardiovascular illness and cleans the blood vessels.
Another benefit of crab meat is for brain development (as is the case with most Omega 3 sources) and it is also a food that helps to combat depression.
When it comes to cats there wasn’t too much research done about the impact crab meat has on their health but it is clear that there isn’t anything harmful in fresh and unsalted meat. Since it has no carbohydrates it is actually one of the best choices to maintain their muscles, fur and even for the claws as it contains lean proteins.
Vitamin B12 is difficult for cats to find in nature but crab meat has a lot of it and this is crucial in the maintenance of the immunity as well as the brain and digestive health of your cat. When a deficiency of B12 ensues the cat is lethargic due to problems with the peripheral nervous system, they will have diarrhea or vomit and the red or white blood cell count will decrease. A healthy amount of this vitamin on the other hand will make the cat’s brain work better and they will have more overall energy.
Possible Problems
Cats are sensitive to certain seafoods, and crabs and shellfish are among the most common feline allergens so if you see the cat responding negatively then you should definitely stop giving them crab meat. Among the typical symptoms are sneezing, itchiness and rashes on the skin so if you see these then talk to a vet before giving your cat any more seafood.
Most seafood tends to contain a lot of salt and this can be problematic for your cat as salt poisoning is extremely serious. Unsalted and fresh crab meat is the only good choice for a cat so keep the really salty bits away from your pet.
Short Answer:
It is very good for them when compared to other meats and it can improve their health but should be consumed in moderation.
