Avocados are a delicious fruit that we often find in many favorite dishes. Some people prefer to simply eat them plain. But can cats eat avocado? Is avocado safe for cats? Do cats even like avocados? As with any human food, owners have plenty of questions.
It’s only natural to wonder if our kitties can benefit from the avocado’s delectable nutrients. Perhaps you’d like to add some fresh produce to your cat’s diet or want to enjoy a snack together. In this case, knowing if you can safely share this appetizing fruit with your pet is vital. Let’s look at whether it is safe for your cat to eat avocado and dive into its possible risks and benefits.
Can Cats Eat Avocados?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may appear. In short, certain parts of avocados are safe for cats, but not all. The inside of the avocado, also known as the meat, is safe for cat consumption. The avocado’s pit, leaves, peel, and stem are not. They contain the chemical persin, which is not lethal but can be very harmful in high doses. Some effects include diarrhea, vomiting, obstruction of stool, and pancreatitis. Persin is present in the fruit’s flesh but in a lower concentration.
Avocado is only safe in very small amounts. It is not likely that owners would add this to a kitty’s dish regularly. There are better options, including meat-based treats and fresh or freeze-dried human-grade cat food. Keep in mind that avocado is not part of a feline’s natural diet, so it can cause digestive issues and may not offer as much nutritional value as a meat-based meal. Cats should always be fed a balanced cat food that lists real, named meat as the first ingredient.
Is Avocado Good For Cats?
Avocadoes are good for cats, but only the fleshly part. They contain various nutrients that are beneficial for cats. The meat of an avocado is suitable for cats because it has numerous vitamins. Some include vitamins A, C, K, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, folate, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium. Avocados are also low in sodium and cholesterol. Keep in mind cats should not eat large amounts of avocado. While occasional, small amounts are safe, it is not healthy to eat often.
Avocadoes are also a good source of:
Protein
Cats are obligate carnivores by nature, meaning they need meat to survive. Animal protein is essential for many bodily functions like muscle development, organ functionality, immunity, energy making, and nail growth. Avocados are high in protein. They contain 18 amino acids, making them an excellent source of high-quality protein for cats. Plant protein is not as healthy for felines as animal protein, so do not rely on or substitute avocados for meat content in your kitty’s diet.
Healthy Fat
Avocados are a reliable source of healthy fats. Avocados contain oleic acid, an omega fatty acid with powerful anti-inflammation qualities.
Antioxidants
Avocados have a significant supply of antioxidants. They fight damage caused by free radicals, curb the growth of cancerous cells, and serve as an anti-inflammatory. Antioxidants can have many health benefits, for avocados have a substantial supply of antioxidants.
Fiber
Avocados are very rich in fiber. Fiber improves the efficiency of the good bacteria found in a cat’s intestine and aids with keeping your kitty regular. Fiber is an efficient natural cure for constipation. It can also help chubby kitties lose a little weight by making them feel fuller for longer. Furthermore, fiber can aid with increases in blood sugar. This is another case where it is best to use caution, as too much plant fiber can prevent cats from digesting other essential nutrients in their food.
Potassium
Potassium provides health benefits for cats, and avocados provide an abundant source of potassium. Some benefits of potassium include facilitating critical cardiac processes such as reducing blood pressure.
Is Avocado Toxic To Cats?
When consumed in small amounts, the flesh part of the avocado fruit is not poisonous to cats. However, the pit, leaves, peel, and stem of the avocado can be harmful. These parts contain Persin, which is not lethal but can be dangerous in high doses.
Can Cats Eat Avocado Oil?
No, cats should not have avocado oil. For humans, avocado oil is tasty and has health benefits like reducing cholesterol and improving heart health. When cats ingest the oil, it can cause irritation in the digestive system. Because it is an oil, it is a higher concentration. The oil can also trigger an allergic reaction in some felines. Additionally, avocado oil has a high amount of monosaturated fats, which are not healthy for felines. It’s best to avoid giving any of it to your kitties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cats Like Avocados?
This question has no straightforward answer. Avocado is not part of their natural diet. Most cats in the wild would have a hard time eating one due to the thick peel and pit. It is likely that cats who are presented with it will show interest due to the new texture, smell, and taste. While some felines may develop a taste for it, most kitties are not seeking out avocados for the flavor.
When Is Avocado Bad for Cats?
Avocados are bad for cats if they eat the pit, leaves, peel, or stem. Otherwise, the flesh of the avocado is safe and nutritious. However, cats should be given small amounts and monitored. It is essential to mention that the pit can be a choking hazard. If your cat ate a large amount of the fruit, it is best to contact your veterinarian for advice. Observe your pet for any signs of allergy, pain, or other digestive trouble, and seek treatment right away if they seem to be in distress.
Can Cats Eat Guacamole?
Cats should not eat guacamole since guacamole contains other ingredients that can harm kitties. For example, onions and garlic are toxic to cats. Tomatoes and lemon juice can cause damage and discomfort to a cat’s stomach. Cats cannot eat or digest as much plant material as humans, so guacamole is a big no-no. Learn more about the human foods cats can safely eat.
Can Kittens Eat Avocado?
Kittens should probably wait till they are older to eat avocado. Their stomachs are starting to form and strengthen. It would be better to err on the side of safety and not cause discomfort to their digestive system.
Final Thoughts
Avocados are a nutritious and delicious fruit to enjoy with your kitty, but only in moderation. They can be a healthy snack and an occasional way to add flavor and texture variety to your kitty’s food bowl. As long as your precious kitty is not eating the pit, skin, stems, or leaves, a few bites of the fresh fruit is safe. As with any new or human food, moderation and small quantities are key. Nonetheless, please consult your veterinarian if you notice that your kitty is not feeling well or behaving like himself after eating an avocado.
