Sometimes — with care
Cooked, plain, peeled shrimp is a safe, protein-rich treat most cats love. Keep it occasional, remove the shell and tail, and never serve it raw or seasoned.
Shrimp is lean protein with B12 and other nutrients, and its strong smell makes it irresistible to most cats — handy for tempting fussy or recovering eaters. Cook it thoroughly (raw shellfish risks bacteria and, like raw fish, an enzyme that depletes vitamin B1), and remove the shell, tail and the dark vein, which are choking and irritation hazards. Skip anything fried, buttered, garlicky or breaded.
One small cooked shrimp, chopped, once or twice a week is plenty for a cat. Introduce slowly — shellfish allergies are possible. Stop and call your vet if you see swelling, hives or vomiting after the first taste.
Related: Can cats eat tuna? · Can cats eat salmon? · Can dogs eat shrimp?
General information, not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten something potentially harmful or shows symptoms, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. Full disclaimer.