Is it Safe to Give Scallops to Cats?

Scallops, a famous product from Hokkaido, are delicious and can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. They have a sweet and tender meat and a crunchy texture that makes them an irresistible treat. If you have a cat that loves seafood, you might be wondering if you can share some scallops with them. As scallops are often used as a flavor in cat food, it may seem safe to give them to cats as a treat. However, it is important to know the correct way to give scallops to cats and the potential dangers involved.

✨ Is it okay to give cats scallops?

There is a common belief that giving cats scallops can lead to their ears falling off, and many cat owners avoid giving their pets scallops as a result. This is a frightening thought, especially for those who love their furry friends.

The reason for this belief is that some species of scallops contain a toxin called “pyrrolizidine alkaloids.” This toxin is found in the intestines (liver) of the scallop and is said to cause a cat’s ears to fall off if the liver is consumed.

This toxin is particularly concentrated in the liver of scallops from February to May. When a cat consumes scallops, the toxin enters their bloodstream. Although the toxin does not cause direct harm to a cat’s health, it reacts with sunlight (ultraviolet rays) in the bloodstream and causes various inflammations.

This condition is called “photodermatitis,” and it is an unpleasant disease that cats, who love to bask in the sun, would prefer to avoid. Cats are covered in fur, but their ears are located on top of their head and are thinly covered with fur, making them more susceptible to the effects of ultraviolet rays. Additionally, the ears contain many blood vessels, so if the toxin is present in the bloodstream, it can destroy cells and cause inflammation, causing a cat to scratch and irritate the affected area.

In extreme cases, the skin may necrotize and the ears may fall off, leading to the belief that “cats’ ears fall off when they eat scallops.”

Therefore, it is clear that scallops are not a suitable food for cats. However, there is a type of scallop that is considered safe for cats to eat, and that is the “hotate” scallop. Although some caution is necessary when giving hotate to cats, it has the added benefit of making your furry friend happy, and can be a treat to give your cat every once in a while.

✨ The Benefits of Feeding Scallops to Cats

Scallops are a type of food that makes us happy when we eat them, but what kind of benefits can they provide for cats?

❂ Benefit #1: Rich in Taurine

Taurine is an essential amino acid that is necessary for maintaining a healthy body, and it is also an important nutrient for cats. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in their bodies, so they need to obtain it from their diet.

If your cat is tired of eating the same food every day or wants to try human food, scallops may be a good choice to try.

Not only does taurine have the effect of recovering from fatigue, it is also a nutrient that helps prevent arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and vision loss. When taurine works together with vitamins, it also has a strong antioxidant effect.

❂ Benefit #2: High Protein and Low Calorie

Protein is an extremely important nutrient for cats as they are carnivores. Protein is necessary to maintain healthy bones, muscles, and fur.

The main ingredient in the food that cats usually eat is protein, but it can’t compare to the quality of natural food.

Cats are also animals with high preferences, and scallops are a food that cats tend to like. Additionally, scallops are low in calories, making them a good choice for overweight cats.

❂ Benefit #3: Rich in Zinc

Scallops contain zinc, a type of mineral. Zinc is also an important nutrient for cats, as it helps maintain various functions of their bodies.

Zinc is involved in the cell turnover process, so if zinc is lacking, growth may be impaired and recovery from injury may take longer. Zinc also creates taste buds, so if zinc is lacking, your cat may not be able to enjoy their food as much.

From these benefits, scallops can be said to be an ideal food for cats with high preferences.

❂ Benefit #4: Rich in Vitamins

Vitamins are also present in scallops, which are necessary to keep the body’s functions normal. Although cats can synthesize certain types of vitamins, it is said that they should still obtain them from their diet.

Water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B9 (folic acid) are easily excreted from the body because they dissolve easily in water.

Even if there is no need to worry about getting too much, if vitamins are lacking, your cat’s body will be burdened, so it is better for the owner to provide vitamins to their cat.

Vitamin B12 helps prevent anemia and nerve damage, and folic acid helps prevent anemia and is especially necessary for cell growth. It is a nutrient that should be actively taken in by pregnant cats.

✨ Precautions when Feeding Scallops to Cats

Scallops are a nutritious food for cats, but there are some precautions to take when feeding them to your feline friend.

❂ Only the Scallop Meat is Edible for Cats

Scallops are one of the few shellfish that cats can eat, but not all parts of the scallop are safe for consumption. The dark part, called the liver, and the reproductive glands, which are usually cream or orange-colored, as well as the side of the scallop should be removed before feeding to your cat.

The internal organs of scallops can cause allergies and should not be given to cats, no matter how rare they may be.

The scallop strings can be given to cats in small amounts, but there is a risk of digestive issues, so it is best to only feed the scallop meat to your cat.

❂ Do Not Feed Raw Scallops to Cats

Sashimi-style scallops are a delicacy, and you may be tempted to share this treat with your cat. However, it is best to avoid giving your cat raw scallops.

Raw seafood contains an enzyme called chiaminase that destroys vitamin B1, which is essential for cats and can only be obtained from food. This enzyme can be destroyed by heat, so it is important to cook the scallops before giving them to your cat.

❂ Do Not Feed Dried Scallops to Cats

Dried scallop meat is often used in Chinese cooking and may seem like a good treat for your cat, but it is not recommended. Most dried scallops have been salted and dried in the sun, making them high in salt and minerals, which can harm your cat’s health if consumed in large amounts.

Processed foods, such as scallop extracts, also contain added seasonings, which are high in salt and should be avoided.

❂ Start with a Small Amount of Scallops

Even if you follow all the precautions, it is best not to give your cat a large amount of scallops at once. If your cat has a history of allergies or other issues, it is especially important to be cautious when introducing a new food.

Instead of giving your cat as much as they want, give a small amount occasionally to create a special treat. If you give a large amount at once, the risk of causing harm to your cat’s health increases, so it is best to limit the amount to a scallop or two at a time.

By following these precautions, you can ensure that your cat enjoys the nutritious and delicious treat of scallops while maintaining their health and well-being.

✨ Conclusion

Scallops are a delicacy for humans, but they are also a special treat for cats who love seafood. Scallops are safe for cats to eat and are a nutritious source of protein. However, it’s important for pet owners to be cautious when feeding scallops to their cats, as overfeeding can cause digestive issues.

Scallops are easy to feed, as they are a soft and gentle food. They are also packed with nutrients that are beneficial to cats, making them a great addition to a balanced diet. By incorporating scallops into your cat’s diet, you can help them live a long and healthy life.

In addition, there are commercial cat foods and treats that contain scallops, so why not give them a try? Your furry friend will surely appreciate the added treat.