Goldfish are small, colorful fish that are often kept as pets in aquariums or bowls.
Goldfish can be tempting for your Maine Coon cats, as the movement and the smell of fish attract them.
However, goldfish are not good food for cats, and they should be avoided for several reasons.
First of all, goldfish have many small bones that can pose a choking hazard or cause injuries to your cat’s mouth, throat, or digestive tract.
Goldfish bones can also get stuck in your cat’s teeth and cause dental problems.
Secondly, goldfish can carry diseases and parasites that can infect your cat and cause serious health issues.
Goldfish can harbor bacteria such as salmonella or vibrio, which can cause food poisoning or infections in your cat.
Goldfish can also have worms or protozoa that affect your cat’s intestines or blood.
Thirdly, goldfish contain an enzyme called thiaminase, which breaks down thiamine, a vitamin B1 essential for your cat’s health.
Overeating goldfish can cause thiamine deficiency in your cat, leading to neurological problems such as seizures, paralysis, or death.
Therefore, you should not feed your cat goldfish; you should keep your goldfish out of your cat’s reach.
It is better to feed your Maine Coon cat a balanced and nutritious diet that meets its protein, carbohydrate, fat, amino acid, vitamin, and mineral needs.
Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose from wet or dry food.
You can also give your cat some fish as a treat, but make sure it is cooked and deboned.
You should avoid feeding your cat raw fish or fish that contains thiaminase, such as goldfish.
If your cat does eat a goldfish, you should monitor your cat for any signs of distress or illness and contact your vet if needed.
