Can Cats Eat Caviar?
By Pettings · Sources checked Nov 2, 2026
No. Keep caviar away from cats, along with other salted fish roe such as salmon roe, flying fish roe and lumpfish roe. These eggs are cured with salt and served raw. The ASPCA warns that excessive salt can cause increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea and tremors in pets, and that raw animal foods can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Why Caviar Is a Problem for Cats
Salt is the core problem. Roe is cured in salt to preserve it and bring out its flavor, and the ASPCA notes that excess salt can lead to abnormal electrolytes in the blood depending on how much is eaten. A cat is small, so a spoonful that seems like a taste to a person is a large salt dose for a cat. Caviar and most roe are also raw, and Merck's guide for cat owners says raw meat can pose health risks for cats; the same caution applies to raw roe.
Roe is rich as well. USDA lists mixed-species fish roe, even when cooked without added salt, at 58 calories per ounce. WSAVA's guidance gives a 10-pound adult cat a treat budget of only about 22 to 25 calories a day. We found no veterinary source that recommends roe for cats in any form, so there is no reason to go looking for an unsalted version.
Hidden sources are easy to miss. Sushi rolls are often topped with bright orange roe, taramasalata and other roe spreads are salty and may contain onion or garlic, and caviar is commonly served on blinis with sour cream and chopped onion. The ASPCA lists onion among foods pets should not eat and notes that pets lack enough lactase to handle dairy well.
Signs to Watch For
The ASPCA lists signs of salt toxicity as vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors and seizures, and in severe cases death. It also lists increased thirst and urination. A cat that also ate sour cream may have an upset stomach, and one that ate onion garnish needs extra attention.
What to Do If Your Cat Ate Caviar
If your cat ate more than a lick of caviar or roe, or ate it along with onion, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Make sure fresh water is available. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. Bring the jar or tin, since the label lists salt and other ingredients that help the vet judge the risk.
If your cat has heart or kidney disease, another medical condition, or a special diet, ask your veterinarian before sharing any seafood.
Common Questions
Can cats eat salmon roe?
No, salmon roe sold for sushi or as caviar is not suitable for cats. It is cured with salt and served raw. The ASPCA warns that too much salt can cause vomiting, diarrhea and tremors in pets, and that raw animal foods can carry bacteria. If your cat ate a few eggs, offer fresh water and call your veterinarian if any signs appear.
Can cats eat fish eggs?
It is best not to give cats fish eggs. Most roe sold in stores is salted, and plain roe is rich, with USDA listing cooked mixed-species roe at 58 calories per ounce. We found no veterinary guidance recommending roe for cats. Plain cooked fish in a small portion is a simpler way to give your cat a seafood treat.
Can cats eat sushi with fish roe on top?
No, sushi topped with roe is not suitable for cats. The roe is salted, the fish is often raw, and the ASPCA warns that raw animal foods can carry bacteria and that too much salt can cause vomiting and tremors. Soy sauce adds more salt, and some rolls contain scallion. Keep sushi out of your cat's reach.
Can cats eat taramasalata?
No, taramasalata and other roe spreads are not suitable for cats. They are made from salted roe and often contain onion or garlic, which the ASPCA lists among foods pets should not eat, along with oil and bread. If your cat licked some, offer water and call your veterinarian if it ate more than a lick or shows vomiting or weakness.
Can kittens eat caviar?
No, kittens should never be given caviar. A kitten is small, so the salt in a spoonful is a lot for its size, and the ASPCA warns that excessive salt can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures. Caviar is also raw. If a kitten eats caviar, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.