Why?
Smoked salmon is cured with salt and contains far more sodium than a cat should eat. Cold-smoked salmon isn't cooked, so it can harbor bacteria like Listeria. Excess salt makes cats very thirsty and can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and it's a real problem for cats with kidney or heart disease. Lox and gravlax have the same issues.
How much?
Avoid it, even as a holiday treat. Keep slices and packaging out of reach, since the smell is very tempting.
The risks
- Excess salt: intense thirst, vomiting, diarrhea
- Listeria and other bacteria, since it isn't cooked
- Dangerous for cats with kidney or heart disease
- Toppings like cream cheese, onion, capers or lemon
Your cat ate some: what now?
A stolen slice usually isn't serious: give plenty of fresh water and watch your cat for 24 to 48 hours. Call your vet for repeated vomiting, diarrhea, extreme thirst, wobbliness, tremors or marked lethargy, or if they ate several slices.
Better options
Set aside a small piece of steamed or baked salmon with no salt or sauce: your cat will love it just as much.
Common questions
Can cats eat lox?
No. Lox is salt-cured and very salty, like smoked salmon. A bite won't usually cause harm, but plain cooked salmon is the way to share.
Is a small piece of smoked salmon dangerous?
One small piece isn't an emergency for a healthy cat, but it's a pointless dose of salt. Keep it off the menu, especially for cats with kidney or heart issues.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.