Oyster

Raw oysters carry the same Vibrio and norovirus risk and may hold heavy metals; a little thoroughly cooked oyster meat is usually fine for cats, but shellfish are a common allergen and seasoned oysters or oyster sauce are far too salty.

Vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, lethargy; too much salt causes thirst and increased urination.

Contact a vet immediately for persistent vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy.

Keep it to a rare, nail-sized piece, always cooked and shelled; do not use oyster sauce or oyster broth to flavour cat food, and cats have no need for shellfish.

Raw or undercooked oysters can carry Vibrio, norovirus and other pathogens and concentrate heavy metals from the water, a food-safety risk for pets as for people; grilled oysters with garlic or soy also bring a heavy salt load.

Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, poor appetite, lethargy; too much salt causes thirst, frequent urination and, in severe cases, an unsteady gait.

Contact a vet immediately if persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or lethargy follows feeding.

Cook oysters thoroughly and remove every shell fragment, then offer only a small piece (one for a small dog); shellfish are a common allergen, so start even smaller and watch for 24 hours, and never feed seasoned, grilled or pickled oysters.