are avocados okay for cats

Feeding your cat avocado is not recommended because it contains persin, which can cause toxicity in cats. If your cat eats a small portion of avocado accidentally, they shouldn’t experience any negative side effects. However, you should never willingly feed them avocado.

Benefits of avocado for your cat

While commercial cat food offers the optimal blend of vitamins and nutrients to maintain your cat’s health, avocado also offers some advantages. Check them out below:

It’s low in cholesterol and sodium.
It is high in protein; avocados contain 18 amino acids, all of which can strengthen your cat’s immune system.
Healthy fats found in avocados are known to have anti-inflammatory qualities.
It contains antioxidants that can improve vision by halting the spread of cancerous cells.
Fibre – avocado contributes to healthy bowl movements.
Avocados contain potassium which can help to reduce blood pressure.

Can cats eat avocado?

Avocados are a great food choice for humans, but they also contain a toxin called persin that can be dangerous for animals, including dogs and cats. Cats who consume large amounts of persin, which is primarily found in avocado skin, leaves, and pits, may experience health problems.

Avocado oil is regarded as a “good fat” by humans, but it can damage a cat’s gastrointestinal system and induce pancreatic inflammation if it is consumed. Additionally, some cats may become allergic to avocado and experience vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, or trouble breathing or eating.

There’s no need to be concerned if your cat eats avocado in moderation. But when choosing a diet for your cat, it’s advised to stick to commercial cat food since it will give your pet all the vitamins and nutrients they require.

Spread on some toast and paired with poached eggs and some chili flakes, avocado can be one of the most delicious breakfast foods and has gained world-wide popularity as an ingredient. But while it’s great for humans, is its consumption by animals okay and can cats eat avocado?

This fruit, which is rich in vitamins and nutrients, may not be as beneficial for cats as it is for humans. We’ll dive right in and discuss some of the reasons why avocados aren’t the healthiest food for cats in this article.

FAQ

What happens if my cat eats avocado?

For humans, avocado oil is considered a ‘good fat’ but if eaten by a cat, it can affect their GI tract and cause inflammation in their pancreas. Avocado can also trigger allergies in some cats, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing or eating.

Is persin toxic to cats?

Yes, avocado trees are toxic to cats as they also contain persin. An avocado tree’s leaves, stem, and even bark contain persin, which can be mildly toxic to cats. Keep an eye on your cat if you grow or live near avocado trees to ensure they don’t chew on the leaves and branches.

Are avocados safe for pets?

While a staple of the Australian diet today, avocados are harmful for our dogs. as they contain persin, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting and heart congestion. If your dog ate a small piece of avocado, it will probably be okay, but ensure you monitor your dog for any symptoms.

What fruit can cats not eat?

Cats should not be fed grapes or raisins as they can lead to kidney disease and organ failure. Citrus fruits (such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes) are also mildly toxic for cats and can cause a stomach upset.