With caution — cats and anchovies
Fresh or unsalted anchovies are safe for cats in small amounts — high in omega-3s, good protein, and soft bones like sardines. The problem is that most anchovies available in Australia are either salt-packed, oil-packed, or prepared as a paste — all of which carry sodium levels that disqualify them. Find unsalted or very-low-sodium anchovies, or simply use sardines in springwater as a more accessible alternative.
🏆 Pet Care Community Safety Score™ — Anchovies for Cats
"Anchovies as a species are nutritionally excellent for cats — high omega-3, high taurine relative to larger fish, soft bones, low mercury (short-lived fish, low in the food chain). The market reality undermines this: the anchovy products available at Coles and Woolworths are all salt-packed or oil-packed. A tin of anchovies in salt contains roughly 3,500–4,500mg of sodium per 100g. That is extraordinary — and it makes supermarket anchovies entirely inappropriate for cats regardless of how small the serving is."
The straight answer
The anchovy fish itself is excellent for cats. As a species, anchovies are small, short-lived, low-mercury, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, taurine, and soft digestible calcium from their bones — essentially everything that makes sardines a good choice for cats. The problem is product form: virtually every packaged anchovy product available in Australia is either salt-packed or preserved in oil, and the sodium content of salt-packed anchovies is among the highest of any food you'll find on a supermarket shelf.
Fresh anchovies from a fishmonger, or purpose-made low-sodium anchovy cat treats, are safe. Tin of Ortiz anchovies in salt from the Coles deli section: not safe.
The sodium problem with commercial anchovies
Salt-packed or brine-preserved anchovies contain extraordinary sodium concentrations. To give this context:
- Salt-packed anchovies: approximately 3,500–4,500mg sodium per 100g
- A cat's safe daily sodium limit: approximately 42mg
- That means one small salt-packed anchovy (~5g) contains roughly 175–225mg of sodium — about four to five times a cat's entire daily limit in a single fish
Rinsing salt-packed anchovies reduces the surface salt but does not remove the sodium that has been absorbed into the fish flesh during the salt-packing process. The rinse makes them more palatable for humans; it does not make them appropriate for cats.
Oil-packed anchovies are better on the sodium front (typically 900–1200mg per 100g, still very high) but add a fat load and the packing oil has no value for cats.
How anchovies compare to other tinned fish
| Fish | Sodium per 100g (canned) | Cat-safe form |
|---|---|---|
| Sardines in springwater | ~200–250mg | Yes — springwater tins |
| Tuna in springwater | ~200–280mg | Yes — springwater, limited frequency |
| Anchovies in springwater | ~250mg (rare) | Yes — if available |
| Anchovies in oil | ~900–1200mg | No — too high |
| Anchovies in salt | ~3500–4500mg | No — extremely high |
| Salmon in springwater | ~200–300mg | Yes — springwater tins |
| Anchovy paste | ~4000mg+ | No |
If you want a convenient, accessible equivalent to fresh anchovies for cats, sardines in springwater (available at every Australian supermarket) deliver the same nutritional profile with appropriate sodium levels.
Where to get safe anchovies for cats in Australia
Fishmongers and fish markets: Fresh whole anchovies are occasionally available from specialty fishmongers and Sydney/Melbourne fish markets. These are raw, unsalted, and can be poached or served raw with appropriate hygiene handling. They are the ideal form.
Asian grocery stores: Some Asian grocers carry dried anchovies (myeolchi or ikan teri) used in Korean and Indonesian cooking. These are typically dried without heavy salt addition — check the ingredients list for any added salt or flavourings. If they are genuinely plain dried fish, a very small amount is acceptable.
Purpose-made cat treats: Some Australian premium cat treat brands (available through Pet Circle and Petbarn) market anchovy-based cat treats specifically formulated for low sodium. These are the most practical option for most owners.
🚨 My Cat Ate Anchovies — What Now?
If your cat ate salt-packed or oil-packed anchovies in any meaningful quantity, call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738. Salt-packed anchovies have one of the highest sodium concentrations of any common food.
Signs that warrant a vet call:
- With salted anchovies: excessive thirst
- vomiting
- lethargy (sodium overload). GI upset from high fat in oil-packed varieties. Monitor for 12 hours after any accidental ingestion of salted anchovies
If your cat ate a large amount or is showing the signs above: Don't wait — call immediately.
📞 Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 869 738Available 24/7 across Australia. Have your cat's weight, breed and approximate quantity consumed ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soaking reduces surface salt to some extent but the fish flesh has already absorbed significant sodium during the salt-packing process. The residual sodium after soaking is still substantially higher than appropriate for cats. This is not a reliable decontamination method.
For more on safe fish choices for cats, see our guides to canned sardines for cats and raw prawns for cats.
📚 Sources & Further Reading
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Salt Toxicity. https://www.aspca.org
- FSANZ — Seafood and Sodium in Commercial Products. https://www.foodstandards.gov.au
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Nutritional Needs and Fish for Cats. https://www.vet.cornell.edu
- Australian Veterinary Association — Feline Nutrition. https://www.ava.com.au
