Can Cats Eat Avocado? (Risks & Vet Suggestions)
No, cats shouldn’t eat avocados. Avocado is a fruit containing high levels of persin, which is toxic to cats and can cause severe gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
In addition, the pit inside avocados can be a choking hazard or obstruct digestive tracts, making it unsafe for cats to consume. It’s best to keep avocados away from cats, as the potential risks posed by the fruit are great.
So here in this blog post, I’ll be going through everything you need to know about cats and avocados – what the risks are, why they’re so dangerous, and some of the signs that your cat has eaten avocado. Keep reading to learn more!
What Different Studies Say about Avocado and Cats?
Avocado, a popular green fruit with a variety of culinary uses, is a favorite among many pet owners, who may be tempted to share it with their cats. But while cats may find the fruit tantalizing, the truth is that avocados are not good for feline diets and could even be dangerous.
Studies have demonstrated that cats should not eat avocados due to a compound called persin which is found in the fruit’s flesh, pit, and leaves. Persin can be toxic to some animals and can cause digestive upset or other health issues in cats. While certain bird species are especially vulnerable to avocado poisoning, cats are also at risk depending on the amount consumed.
The danger of feeding cats avocados has been explored in a number of studies. A study published in 2012 by researchers from Massey University’s Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences investigated whether any toxicity was present in New Zealand-grown avocados for domestic pets.
The study discovered that cats were particularly sensitive to persin content compared with dogs and horses – even when small amounts were consumed – concluding that avocados should not be fed as treats or snacks to felines at all.
Other research has been conducted into the potential effects of persin on organs such as the heart, lungs and brain – as well as reproductive systems – in both humans and animals. A research paper published by Middle East Technical University investigated some of these effects, calling attention to its potential to damage cells at relatively low doses.
Although more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about whether persin poses a significant risk to human health when consuming avocado – or other foods containing it like olives – it remains clear that this compound poses serious risks for cats if ingested at all.
Why Avocado is Dangerous for Cats? (Explained)
I know I’ve already mentioned persin, but it’s important to understand why this compound is so dangerous for cats. Here I’ll go into more detail about why cats should not eat avocados.
1. First, Let’s Cover the Basics (in case you need a refresher)
Persin is a naturally occurring toxin in avocados, and it’s more concentrated in the flesh, pit, and leaves of the fruit.
It’s a fungicidal toxin – meaning it kills fungi – which is why it serves as a natural defense in avocados, protecting them from fungal infection. But while it may help protect the avocado, it can also be dangerous for cats if ingested.
2. Persin Can Cause Gastrointestinal Issues
The most common symptom of persin poisoning in cats is vomiting and diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration, which can become serious if left untreated. It’s important to note that persin poisoning can also cause other symptoms including anorexia, lethargy, and abdominal pain.
3. Choking Hazard
Another concern with avocados is that their pits are a choking hazard. Cats can accidentally swallow the pit, which could lead to an obstructed digestive tract. This is a serious medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.
4. Allergy Risk
Finally, some cats may be allergic to avocado or persin – or both – and this could lead to an allergic reaction, which can be potentially fatal. If your cat has a known allergy or signs of an allergic reaction, seek veterinary care right away.
You may also find interesting to read: Can Cats Eat Apples?
Some of the Signs That Your Cat Has Eaten Avocado
Once in the afternoon, you notice that your cat is behaving differently than usual and seems to be having difficulty breathing. You investigate further and find out that he has eaten some avocado.
It’s important to watch out for the following signs that may indicate your cat has eaten avocado:
If your cat is exhibiting any of these signs after eating avocado, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately.
Can Avocado Kill Cats? (Survey Results)
No, avocado itself cannot kill cats – it’s generally just not toxic enough to do any serious damage. However, the persin content can be dangerous for cats if consumed in large amounts, so it’s important to keep avocados away from your feline friend.
A survey by the American Association of Poison Control Centers found that while there were only a few reported cases of cats ingesting avocado, none resulted in any major health problems.
However, it’s still important to keep your cat away from avocados – and other foods containing persin such as olives – to ensure their safety. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for more information.
My Cat Licked Avocado – Things You Should Do
Now, if you notice your cat has been licking avocado or has eaten some pieces of it, there are a few things you should do:
Cat Ate Avocado Leaf – Safe for Cats or Not?
While my article has mainly focused on the potential risks associated with a cat eating avocado fruit, you might be wondering if it’s safe for cats to consume the leaves of an avocado tree.
Unfortunately, the answer is still no – as the leaves of an avocado tree contain persin, which can be toxic to cats if consumed. Therefore, it’s best to keep all parts of the avocado away from your pet cat to prevent any potential health issues.
If you suspect that your cat has eaten avocado leaves or has been exposed to any form of persin poisoning, seek veterinary care right away. Your vet will be able to provide the best course of action for your cat’s specific situation and help ensure a safe recovery.
Few Vet’s Suggestions about Avocado and Cats
Dr. Stephanie James, a veterinarian based in Chicago, recently spoke out about the potential risks of feeding cats avocado. She warned that while avocados can be healthy and nutritious for many animals, they are not recommended as part of a cat’s diet because of their high-fat content.
“Avocados contain large amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids which can be difficult for cats to digest,” Dr. James said. “Cats lack the enzymes necessary to properly break down these fats, so consuming too much could lead to digestion issues or even an upset stomach.”
Dr. Stephanie James
According to Dr. Keith Brown, a vet in Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital with expertise in feline nutrition, there is also a reason for concern when it comes to other aspects of avocados. He noted that the fruit contains persin, a plant-based toxin which has been shown to cause respiratory issues and even death in some bird species – although it is not known whether cats would suffer similar effects from eating avocados containing persin.
“Avocados are especially dangerous to young cats who may consume larger quantities than adult cats,” he said. “It’s important that pet owners understand the risks and avoid feeding their cats avocados.”
Dr. Keith Brown
In addition, some studies have suggested that avocado pits could pose a choking hazard if eaten by cats due to their hard texture and size. Therefore, Dr. Brown advises owners to remove any remaining pits after an avocado has been cut open – just in case their cat decides to take an interest in them later on!
Treatment for Avocado Toxicity in Cats
If your cat has consumed avocados and is displaying any of the symptoms outlined above, seek veterinary assistance right away. Treatment will depend on how much avocado your pet has eaten and how soon you take them in for medical attention.
Your vet will be able to provide the best course of action for your cat’s specific situation, but it may include medications to control vomiting and/or diarrhea, supplemental fluids or even a special diet. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary if the avocado pit has caused an intestinal blockage.
In any case, keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are eating, drinking and behaving normally. If any symptoms persist or worsen after a few days, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible – their health is worth it!
How to Prevent Your Cat From Eating Avocado?
Here I’ll cover some basic tips on how to keep your cat from eating avocado and other foods that may be dangerous for them.
1. Keep Avocados Out of Reach
The best way to prevent your cat from eating avocado is to keep it away from them entirely. This means not leaving any parts of the avocado plant laying around, as cats may be tempted to chew on the leaves or fruit. You also should not leave any avocados in places that are accessible to cats, such as countertops or shelves.
2. Don’t Leave Food Out Unattended
Make sure to keep food like avocados away from your cat’s reach at all times, even when you’re home. This includes keeping the garbage can closed and making sure that no one is feeding your cat any foods they shouldn’t be eating.
3. Make Sure Your Cat Has Plenty of Toys and Activities
Cats need lots of stimulation to stay healthy and happy, so make sure they have plenty of toys and activities around the house. This will help prevent your cat from getting bored and seeking out a snack like an avocado.
4. Provide Proper Nutrition
Make sure your cat is eating a balanced, nutritious diet and is getting all their essential vitamins and minerals. Proper nutrition can help keep your cat healthy, which will make them less likely to seek out snacks like avocados.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your cat stays safe and healthy by keeping avocados – and other potentially dangerous foods – away from them.
My Final Thoughts
Avocados can be dangerous for cats, so pet owners should take care to keep them away from their animals. If a cat does accidentally consume avocado, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away and follow any treatment recommendations.
Finally, providing your cat with proper nutrition and plenty of activities will help ensure that they don’t get bored and seek out snacks like avocados. With these tips in mind, you can help keep your feline friend safe and healthy.
Thank you for reading!
