are avocados poisonous to cats

Even though avocado has many benefits in a human diet, they contain a toxin called persin that can be harmful to animals, cats and dogs alike. Persin is mostly found in the skin, leaves, and pit of the avocado and when consumed in large quantities, can cause health issues in cats.

Can Dogs & Cats Eat Avocados?

In contrast to certain foods (like chocolate), the response to this query is a little more complex than a simple “yes” or “no.” Your pet won’t likely suffer any harm if they eat a tiny bit of avocado. But if a dog or cat eats more avocado than their body can process, they are going into toxic territory. To put it briefly, the best course of action when bringing avocados home for yourself is to keep them away from your four-legged companions.

Find food that fits your pet’s needs

Avocados have grown in popularity over the past few years. These days, they can be found in a variety of dishes, such as classic guacamole on chips, sliced on burgers, blended into smoothies, or even spread on toast. Humans have been taught that these fruits are very good for our health. It makes sense that, as a pet owner, you would want to know if your cat or dog can eat avocados.

If a dish you enjoy is healthful, you might want to share it. But some foods can make our favorite furry friends sick. Let’s investigate the connection between this well-liked health food and our pets.

Can Cats Eat Avocados?

The answer is: No. The health benefits we are getting from the yellow-green meat of an avocado is a different story for cats. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, avocados contain a toxin called Persin. If a dog or cat eats Persin, the effect is not life-threatening but potent. Here are signs to watch out for, according to PPH:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Obstruction of stool
Pancreatitis

Furthermore, the avocado pit presents a serious choking hazard to both dogs and cats, despite the relatively minor effects. In any case, it’s best to keep avocados out of your cat’s reach because they might be interested in what you’re eating.

Unfortunately, because perspiration can cause fatal effects like heart failure or sudden death, horses and birds are even more affected by it.

FAQ

What happens if a cat eats avocado?

Avocados are generally safe for cats as long as they’re fed in small amounts. Don’t feed your cat peels and pit as they can present a serious choking hazard. These parts also contain persin, a substance that can be toxic to cats.

How toxic are avocado plants to cats?

You’re unlikely to see any signs of toxicity if your cat eats a small amount of avocado. Monitor your cat for signs of a reaction. Avocado trees also contain persin, which is mildly toxic to cats.

Are avocados toxic to animals?

Avocado contains a toxin called persin, but only certain species of animals are poisoned by persin. While dogs and cats are rarely affected by persin, avocado poisoning can be deadly to birds and large animals (such as cows, goats, sheep).

What pets can eat avocado?

So, while avocado is fairly safe for our dogs and cats to eat, the best bet is to limit their access to just small amounts of the fruit itself. This can prevent accidental choking as well as unexpected emergency surgery to remove the golf ball-sized pit from within your pet’s body.