Squid and octopus are cephalopods, mollusks with tentacles, and ink sacs. Squid and octopus can be a good treat for your cat, as they are high in protein, iron, copper, zinc, and taurine, which are beneficial for your cat’s health.
Squid and octopus can help support your cat’s immune system, blood health, bone health, and brain and nerve function.
However, squid and octopus should not be fed as a main or sole source of protein for your cat, as they are not a complete and balanced diet.
Squid and octopus should make up less than 10% of your cat’s overall diet and should be fed no more than once or twice a week.
Squid and octopus should also be fresh, clean, and cooked before feeding your cat.
- Avoid squid and octopus that are raw or undercooked, as they may contain parasites or bacteria that can cause food poisoning or infections in your cat.
- Avoid squid and octopus canned or cooked with salt, spices, garlic, onion, or other harmful ingredients for cats.
How Do I Cook Squid and Octopus for My Cat?
Step 1: Choose fresh or frozen squid and octopus suitable for human consumption. Avoid buying pre-cooked squid and octopus, canned, dried, or preserved, as they may contain additives or chemicals that are harmful to cats .
Step 2: Thaw the frozen squid and octopus in the refrigerator overnight, or in cold water for a few hours. Do not use hot water or a microwave to thaw them, as this can affect the texture and flavor of the seafood.
Step 3: Rinse the squid and octopus under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any bones, beaks, eyes, or tentacles from the squid and octopus and discard them. Cut the squid and octopus into small pieces or strips easy for your cat to chew and swallow.
Step 4: Cook the squid and octopus in plain water or a low-sodium broth until tender and opaque. You can boil, steam, grill, or bake them, but avoid frying or deep-frying them. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the squid and octopus, but it should not take more than 10 minutes.
Step 5: Let the squid and octopus cool down completely before giving them to your cat. Do not add salt, spices, sauces, or seasonings to the squid and octopus, as they can upset your cat’s stomach or cause health problems. You can store the leftover squid and octopus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Step 6: Give your cat a small amount of squid and octopus as an occasional treat. Squid and octopus are high in protein but also high in cholesterol and purines, which can cause problems for cats with kidney or liver issues. Squid and octopus are also low in some minerals and vitamins that cats need, such as calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Therefore, squid and octopus should not replace your cat’s diet of specially formulated cat food that meets its nutritional needs.
Step 7: Monitor your cat’s reaction after eating squid and octopus. Some cats may be allergic to seafood or have sensitive stomachs that cannot tolerate squid and octopus. Signs of an allergic reaction include itching, swelling, hives, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, or anaphylaxis. Signs of a stomach upset include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. If you notice these symptoms in your cat after eating squid and octopus, stop feeding them immediately and contact your veterinarian.
If you want to feed your cat squid and octopus, you can also look for commercial cat foods containing squid and octopus.
These cat foods are fortified with other nutrients that your cat needs and they are certified by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as complete and balanced for your cat’s life stage.
