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Why Do Cats Not Fear Fishbone When They Eat Fish

November 18, 2023

It is commonly believed that cats like to eat fish. And interestingly, the cats didn't seem to worry about the bones when they ate the fish. So why are cats not afraid of fish bone when they eat fish? What's the mystery?

 

First and foremost, we need to understand the structure of the cat's mouth. The surface of the cat's tongue is covered with many small barbs that help the cat separate the fish from the bone when it licks it. At the same time, the cat's teeth have a special structure, and the sharp canine teeth and grinding teeth can easily crush the fish bone, so that the bone is no longer a threat.

 

Secondly, the cat's esophagus and stomach have unique physiological characteristics. Their esophagus is relatively narrow, preventing large fish bones from entering the stomach. The stomach acid secreted by the cat has a strong acid, which can soften the bone and make it easier to digest. In addition, the digestive enzymes in the cat's stomach are also able to break down the proteins in the fish bones, further reducing the burden on the digestive system.

 

Of course, while cats have some ability to cope with fish bones, that doesn't mean they have no problem eating any fish. In order to avoid discomfort when cats eat fish, owners still need to pay attention to some problems. For example, make sure the fish provided to the cat is fresh and boneless to avoid indigestion or scratches to the digestive tract due to excessive or hard fish bones. Also, do not let cats eat fish when they are overly hungry, or they may swallow oversized fish bones out of eagerness.

 

In summary, the reason why cats are not afraid of fish bone when eating fish is mainly due to its unique oral structure, esophageal stenosis and physiological characteristics of the stomach. These characteristics allow the cat to cope effectively with fish bones, reducing the burden on the digestive system. However, to ensure the health of cats, owners still need to take care to provide the right fish and keep an eye on their diet. Keep your cat safe and healthy while enjoying the delicious fish.