Can Cats Eat Avocado? Nope–Here's Why You Might Regret It If You Feed Them

A Reddit user by the name of u/ZymosisTheAlien posted the following question on the r/pet subreddit:

Source: ZymosisTheAlien

The concerns raised by u/ZymosisTheAlien are both valid and relatable. Many pet owners have found themselves in similar situations, sharing a moment of curiosity between their feline friends and the fruits or snacks we enjoy.

Redditor r/tinyplastictrees suggested not worrying too much if a cat consumes a small amount of avocado.

Source: tinyplastictrees

Redditor r/Jeepersca shared a story of their cat Boo stealing guacamole, but the cat was okay afterwards.

Source: Jeepersca

Redditor r/lemon_melon shared that their cats have eaten a lot of avocado flesh. But thankfully, they haven't had any problems.

Source: lemom_lemon

According to a vet the Reddit user r/theonlycrazyonehere used to work with, most dogs and cats can handle small amounts of avocado without a problem, although some might get a tummy ache. But it's different for birds; even a little avocado can make them suffer severe avocado toxicity.

Source: theonlycrazyonehere

So, is avocado poisonous to cats?

The short answer is that cats can eat a minimal amount of ripe avocado flesh without apparent harm.

But if your cat has a history of stomach issues like gastritis or pancreatitis, it's better not to give them avocado. Dr. Rebello, an expert, says, "Avocados have a lot of fat, and that might upset a cat's tummy or make things worse for cats with these tummy troubles."

Also, avocado is not recommended for kittens due to their underdeveloped immune systems and sensitive stomachs.

Cats should avoid eating a substantial quantity or specific parts of the avocado plant, like the leaves, skin, and big seed. But why?

Avocado contains a substance called "persin," primarily concentrated in these parts. This substance can be a little bit harmful to cats and dogs. Not only cats and dogs, but avocados are also actually very bad for some animals like birds, rabbits, horses, and goats because of this "persin" stuff.

Additionally, the big seed inside can pose a choking risk for your cat. So, keep an eye on your cat if they want to try some avocado.

Can cats eat avocado oil? Yes, cats can safely eat avocado oil, but just a small amount because it may contain traces of “persin” from the fruit.

It's relatively rare for cats to consume enough avocado to trigger persin toxicity.

However, it's crucial to be aware of the signs of “persin” toxicity in cats. Symptoms can include:

• Gastrointestinal Distress: Vomiting and diarrhea are common initial signs when a cat has ingested a toxic amount of persin.
• Breathing Difficulties: In severe cases, cats may exhibit labored breathing and respiratory distress.
• Fluid Accumulation: Persin toxicity can lead to fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen.
• Lethargy: Cats may become unusually tired and unresponsive.

Seek Immediate Veterinary Care:

If you suspect that your cat has ingested a large amount of avocado or is showing any signs of persin toxicity, contact your veterinarian without delay.

Share Details:

Inform your vet about the quantity of avocado ingested, the parts consumed, and the duration of time since ingestion. This information can help guide the treatment.

Monitor And Comfort:

While waiting for professional help, keep a close eye on your cat and provide a calm and comfortable environment. Try to minimize stress, as it can exacerbate symptoms.

Prevention:

The old adage "prevention is better than cure" holds true. It's best to avoid feeding your cat avocado altogether to sidestep potential complications.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that their primary dietary requirement is meat. However, some fruits can be safely offered to cats occasionally.

Here are a few fruits that are generally considered safe for cats:

• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe
• Watermelon
• Bananas
• Pumpkin
• Strawberries