Can Cats Eat Avocado?

Plain avocado flesh is not poisonous to cats, but it isn’t a good food for them either. A tiny taste once in a while is fine. The pit is the real danger, because it can block your cat’s gut. Skip guacamole too, since it often has onion or garlic.

Is avocado toxic to cats?

Not in the way many web pages claim. Avocado has a natural substance called persin. It can harm birds, rabbits, horses, and farm animals such as cattle and goats. Pet Poison Helpline says avocado is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

The Merck Veterinary Manual lists the animals known to be sensitive to persin. Cats are not on the list. Dogs are described as fairly resistant, though the manual mentions one report of two dogs with heart damage after eating avocado. The ASPCA also says avocado is mainly a problem for birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, and similar animals.

Sources don’t give a safe amount for cats, and none of them test cats directly. That is why a small taste is the limit.

Why is the pit dangerous for cats?

A pit is hard and slippery, and it can get stuck. Pet Poison Helpline says swallowing an avocado seed can cause an intestinal blockage. The Merck Veterinary Manual says the same for dogs that swallow a whole pit. The risk comes from the size and shape of the pit. It isn’t a poison problem.

Call your vet right away if you think your cat swallowed a pit. Don’t wait to see what happens.

Is the fat in avocado a problem?

It can be. Avocado is a rich, fatty food. The ASPCA says fatty foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes pancreatitis in pets. Pancreatitis is a painful swelling of the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion.

The ASPCA page about people foods does not name avocado in that warning. Still, it is another reason to keep portions very small, and not to feed avocado often.

Other kinds of avocado

Can cats eat avocado flesh?

Yes, a tiny bite of plain, ripe flesh is okay for most cats. Offer only a very small piece, and only once in a while. Sources give no safe amount, so keep it tiny and watch for vomiting or loose stool afterward.

Can cats eat avocado pits?

No. Pits can block the gut. Throw them away in a bin your cat can’t open. Don’t leave pits on the counter or in an open trash can.

Can cats eat avocado leaves or the plant?

No. The Merck Veterinary Manual says the leaves are the most toxic part of the avocado plant for animals. It also lists the stems and seeds as linked to poisoning. The sources don’t say how cats react to the leaves, so keep your cat away from avocado plants.

Can cats eat guacamole?

No. Guacamole often has onion and garlic. The ASPCA says onion, garlic, and chives can upset the stomach and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.

What about the skin?

The sources we read don’t talk about avocado skin. It is tough and hard to chew, so we suggest keeping it away from your cat too.

What should I do if my cat ate avocado?

1. Take away what’s left, and check for a missing pit.
2. Call your vet or a poison hotline if the pit, leaves, or guacamole were eaten.
3. Watch your cat for vomiting, diarrhea, not eating, or a hurting belly.

A lick or one small bite of plain flesh usually needs no action beyond watching your cat.

Better treats for cats

Your cat’s regular cat treats are the better choice. Treats of any kind should stay under about 10% of your cat’s daily calories. For more, see our list of foods that are toxic to cats, or read about cheese for cats.