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Can Cats Eat Avocado?

Can Cats Eat Avocado?

Updated on July 18, 2024
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team
Cat looking at avocado toast

Can Cats Eat Avocado?

Should cats eat avocados? No, your cat should not eat avocado. Even though the delicious fruit has many wholesome ingredients for humans, avocados contain toxins that harm cats, dogs, horses and birds. Larger quantities of avocado—as well as the skin, leaves and pit—can be harmful to your pet. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has overeaten avocado or any of the skin, leaves or pit.

While technically a small amount of avocado flesh isn’t likely to seriously harm your cat, it’s not recommended to provide it all due to the toxic compound, persin. Persin is mostly concentrated in the skin, seed and leaves of avocados, but seeps from these places into the fruit of the avocado in lesser amounts.

Avocados are little green gold mines for humans—they’re packed with important vitamins and minerals like Potassium, Magnesium and B vitamins, just to name a few. Avocados are also a rich source of healthy fat. They’re filling and a great way for both vegetarians and meat-eaters to flesh out their diet. You can enjoy them on toast, in wraps, as a dip or just plain. They’re also delicious in burritos, tacos or salads.

Is avocado good for cats? If they’re beneficial to humans, you might think they would be a good snack for your pet, right? Even though they’re incredibly versatile in human cuisine, avocados and cats aren’t a good combination.

Can Cats Eat Guacamole?

Absolutely not. In addition to persin, guacamole can contain ingredients like onions, garlic and tomatoes that can be toxic to your cat. Even common ingredients like cilantro, lime juice and chili or jalapeno peppers can give your kitty a severely upset stomach.  

Why Avocado Is Bad for Cats

Avocado contains a toxin called Persin. Persin doesn’t harm humans, but your cat can suffer ill effects. Are avocados toxic to cats? It’s usually not fatal for cats, but the symptoms avocado can cause for felines can be very uncomfortable for your pet. Persin can be fatal to horses and birds.

Most of the Persin is found in the avocado skin, leaves and pit of the fruit. Those parts of the avocado can also pose a choking hazard to your pet. The flesh of the avocado contains trace amounts of Persin but feeding your cat avocado is still not recommended. The “good fats” in avocado that benefit humans can upset your cat’s GI tract and may even cause inflammation in their pancreas.

Cat my cat eat avocado? Your cat may not be affected if they eat a small amount of avocado flesh, but it’s best to avoid giving it to your pet altogether. Pets with Pancreatitis or Gastritis should never have access to avocado—it can cause a flare-up and make your cat very ill.

It’s best to avoid feeding your cats any parts of the avocado altogether. Instead, stick with cat food and treats formulated for their unique digestive tract and have a flavor they love. You can also check our cat health and wellness section for supplements containing the vitamins and minerals essential for kitties.

Signs of Avocado Poisoning in Cats

If your cat eats a lot of avocado flesh—or the skin, leaves or pit—or if they are allergic, they may experience side effects:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stool obstruction
  • Coughing or difficulty breathing
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Fever
  • Increased heart rate
  • Pancreatitis
  • Abdominal pain

Consult your veterinarian immediately if your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms.

How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating Avocados

Luckily, cats are carnivores, so they most likely won’t be too interested in avocado. However, felines are curious creatures, and they may see you eating it and want to take a nibble.

The best prevention is to keep avocado peels, leaves and pits away from your cat, throw them in a garbage can or compost immediately and make sure your pets do not have access to it. It’s also helpful to hang a chart of forbidden foods in the kitchen or on the fridge, so family members know not to offer them to your pets. 

Recommended Articles

Interested in what foods are beneficial or off-limits to your cat? We have more helpful articles below.

FAQs About Cats Eating Avocado

Avocado is a poor snack choice for cats, and some cats may be allergic. Whether it’s the Persin content or an allergic reaction, it’s best to stop giving your cat avocado flesh if they have any adverse reactions. If you see signs of a potential allergic reaction in your cat, consult your veterinarian immediately. /p>

Ideally, none. But if you decide to give your cat avocado flesh, you should give them no more than a tablespoon or less. Any more will be too much fat for their system. And consult your veterinarian before feeding your cat anything new.

No. Guacamole has a very high-fat content, and most recipes contain garlic. Garlic and onions are extremely toxic to cats and can be fatal if ingested. Guacamole may also contain spices and ingredients that can harm your feline.

No. But it is best to avoid it and give your cat nutritious snacks that satisfy their craving for meat and are formulated with their needs in mind. If you think your pet may be deficient in vitamins and minerals, it’s best to consult your veterinarian with your concerns. Your vet may recommend supplements, prescribe medication or diagnose your cat with an ailment that may be the root of the problem.

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