Why
Avocado contains a toxin called persin, and it has a reputation as a dangerous food for pets. For cats the picture is more nuanced. The ASPCA says avocado is primarily a problem for birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses and ruminants such as sheep and goats, and its plant database lists the avocado tree as toxic to horses rather than to cats or dogs. PetMD's veterinary guide agrees that persin is less of a concern for cats, and that the flesh contains very low amounts.
That does not make avocado a good treat. PetMD's guide notes that the skin, pit and leaves contain higher levels of persin, and that the pit is a significant choking hazard. The flesh itself is high in fat and calories and offers a cat no real nutritional benefit, since cats are obligate carnivores that rely on nutrients found in animal products.
The most common danger is not the avocado at all but what it comes with. Guacamole, avocado toast toppings and salads often contain onion and garlic, and cats are more sensitive to the onion family than any other species. That is why this page says caution rather than a simple yes.
Risks to watch for
- Guacamole and dips, which often contain onion, garlic, salt and spices
- The pit, which is a choking and blockage hazard
- The skin and leaves, which contain more persin than the flesh
- Avocado oil, which PetMD's veterinary guide advises avoiding because it may trigger pancreatitis in sensitive cats
- The high fat and calorie content, especially for overweight cats
- Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or changes in breathing after eating avocado
- Kitchen scraps and compost bins where skins and pits are thrown away
How to share safely
- If you share any at all, use only plain, ripe flesh with no salt, lemon, oil or seasoning.
- Scrape away every trace of skin and keep the pit well out of reach.
- Offer a very small amount, such as a fingertip smear, on its own.
- Do not share from your own plate. Anything already dressed or mixed with other ingredients may contain onion or garlic.
- Skip it entirely for cats with a history of pancreatitis, a sensitive stomach or a weight problem, and ask your vet if you are unsure.
How much?
PetMD's veterinary guide suggests no more than half a tablespoon of plain avocado flesh once every few weeks. Less is better, and there is no reason to give any if your cat is not interested.
Why is avocado dangerous for birds but less so for cats?
Animals differ a great deal in how they react to persin. The ASPCA describes the biggest concern as heart damage and death in birds and rabbits, while horses, donkeys and ruminants can develop swelling of the head and neck as well as heart problems. Cats and dogs are not listed among the most sensitive species.
If you share a home with a pet bird or a rabbit, keep avocado well away from them. For a cat, the realistic risks are the fat, the pit, the skin and the ingredients mixed into avocado dishes.
What if my cat ate guacamole, the pit or the skin?
Guacamole is the most serious situation, because onion and garlic can damage a cat's red blood cells even in small amounts, and signs often appear a few days later. The skin, pit and leaves carry more persin, and PetMD's veterinary guide says to call your vet immediately if your cat may have chewed them.
What to do:
- Work out what was eaten and roughly how much, and check the ingredient list for onion, garlic or onion and garlic powder.
- Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service, even if your cat seems normal.
- Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.
- Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, changes in breathing, pale gums or refusing food, and tell your vet about any of these.
Common questions
Is avocado good for cats?
Only in limited ways. Avocado contains a toxin called persin, and it has a reputation as a dangerous food for pets. For cats the picture is more nuanced.
Is avocado bad for cats?
It can be. Risks to watch for: guacamole and dips, which often contain onion, garlic, salt and spices; the pit, which is a choking and blockage hazard.
Are cats allowed to have avocado?
Only in small amounts and the right form. If you share any at all, use only plain, ripe flesh with no salt, lemon, oil or seasoning.
My cat licked some avocado flesh. Should I worry?
A small lick of plain avocado flesh is unlikely to cause a problem for a healthy cat. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea, and call your vet if your cat seems unwell or if the avocado was mixed with onion, garlic or other seasonings.
Can cats eat avocado oil?
It is best to avoid it. PetMD's veterinary guide warns that avocado oil can trigger pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, in sensitive cats, even in small amounts.
Sources
- PetMD. Can Cats Eat Avocado? (Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- ASPCA. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List: Avocado (Persea americana).
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
If your cat has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or an animal poison control service right away, even if your cat seems fine. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.