For those feline owners who enjoy avocado in all its glory, it’s only natural for you to wonder whether cats can eat avocado. The truth is avocado does have something called Persin in it which is a toxin, but it’s not believed to be poisonous to cats. Persin can be toxic and even fatal to birds and livestock animals such as cows. There are several parts of the avocado that are considered toxic for cats so read on to know what to avoid.
Avocado is actually a superfood packed with 18 amino acids including the 8 that combine to make a complete protein. It also contains Vitamins A, E, C, and B6, plus niacin, folate, and potassium. This means avocado meat or flesh is great for providing energy for your cat as well as the essential components to help organs function and build muscle.
Can Cats Eat Avocado Raw?
The issue with avocados for people is that they are high in fat, but healthy fats are part of a well-balanced diet for your cat. In fact, cats with fat levels that are too low may exhibit itchy dry skin. Raw avocado also contains antioxidants to support the immune system of your cat and omega fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Can Cats Eat Guacamole?
Even though the main ingredient in guacamole is avocado, it’s not the best idea for cats to eat guacamole. The reason for this is because guacamole is often made by combining avocado with several other ingredients such as onion and garlic, both of which can be harmful for your cat. So, while it’s fine to share fresh avocado meat with your cat, you better keep that guacamole dip to yourself.
What Parts of the Avocado Make Cats Sick?
When it comes to the avocado, you’ll want to keep your cat away from the bark, skin, leaves and pit of the avocado. This is where the ingredient Persin is concentrated. It can be harmful to cats in large quantities. One of the safest ways to add avocado to your cat’s diet in the right proportions and without risking any toxins getting into her food would be to use a cat food such as AvoDerm(R). This cat food uses avocados from California along with meat or fish ingredients but no corn, wheat, or artificial colors.
Regardless of how you decide to feed your cat avocado, as with any change in diet routine, you’ll want to watch them carefully for any signs of distress. Pay attention to their behavior, their bathroom habits, as well as the silkiness and texture of their fur. It’s important to balance the nutrition your cat is getting on a daily basis in order to ensure a healthy feline. If you have any questions about whether your cat can eat avocado or how much avocado your cat can eat, consult your regular veterinarian. He/she will be able to make recommendations as well as monitor your cat to help you find the correct balance.