Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

What happens if I feed my 5kg indoor cat a few pieces of sushi with raw fish every day for several weeks?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Feeding sushi to a cat every day is not recommended, even if the rice itself is plain. The raw fish commonly used can harbor parasites and high levels of histidine, which may stress a cat’s kidneys, and the wasabi and pickled ginger are irritants. Giving a few bites a few times a week is acceptable, but daily exposure increases the risk of digestive upset and nutrient imbalance. Stick to a balanced feline diet and reserve sushi as an occasional novelty. If you notice vomiting or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian.

Sushi — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Rice is fine, but wasabi, pickled ginger and raw fish are not.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Sushi is not poisonous to cats, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Why these cautions matter

Raw animal protein carries Salmonella and E. coli risk, and those bacteria can spread to the people in the household too.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Sushi food facts page.

Open the full food page: Sushi food facts →