Can Cats Eat Avocados?

Just don’t get out the guacamole bowl.

Updated September 16, 2024

There are few and precious foods that are actually good for us and legitimately good, without adding cheese, salt, pepper, or any other enhancements. Avocado, with the caveat that everything written so far is completely subjective to the person who wrote this, is one of those foods.

Nutrition facts: Avocado for cats

Are avocados good for cats?

Avocado tops a list of super foods for humans because it’s chock-full of antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, healthy fats, and vitamins B6, C, and E. Cats benefit from nutrient-rich diets, too, but that doesn’t mean guacamole and avocado toast should be a regular part of our diets.

Can cats avocados?

Avocado flesh (also called meat) is safe for cats to eat. In fact, there is even some research showing that avocado meal, made from the leftover pulp from avocado oil extraction, could be used as a sustainable source of fiber in commercial cat foods. While there are no guarantees that your finicky feline will like the flavor and creamy texture, you can offer up a few small pieces to test their appetite for avocados.

Are avocados completely safe for cats?

The high-fat content in avocado flesh could cause gastrointestinal upset, especially in large quantities. Don’t give avocado to cats who have sensitive stomachs or have been diagnosed with diseases, such as gastritis or pancreatitis. Even in healthy cats, Dr. Autumn Vetter, clinical assistant professor at the University of Georgia Pet Health Center, suggests watching for signs like vomiting and diarrhea to see if your cat has a negative reaction to avocado.

Never offer your cat the leaves, stems, peel, or pit of an avocado. These parts contain a toxic compound called persin, which is highly toxic to dogs and birds, causing shortness of breath and heart failure. It’s also a good idea to avoid avocado oil, which is could also contain oils from the pits — the most concentrated source of persin. While persin doesn’t appear to affect cats, out of an abundance of caution, Dr. Vetter advises steering clear of the oil.

Finally, you should always skip the guacamole. It’s made with avocado flesh, which is safe for cats, but it can also contain onions and garlic, which can cause severe gastroenteritis (and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, drooling, and stomach pain).

Small quantities of avocado flesh should be safe for cats and the most common side effect may be stomach upset. If your cat feasts on an entire (unpeeled) avocado, call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline for advice.

Avocado pits could also be a choking hazard. “Avocado pits are pretty large, so cats may not try to eat them whole,” Dr. Vetter adds. “If they do, it could get stuck in their airway.” If you suspect your cat has swallowed an entire pit, a trip to the emergency vet is in order.

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Other foods that are good for cats

Strawberries: This summertime superfood is perfectly safe to feed to your cat.
Carrots: With their satisfying crunch and high levels of vitamin A, carrots make a safe snack for cats.
Bananas: Bananas are a great source of potassium that cats can eat.

Other foods that are not good for cats

Grapes: All grapes and raisins are toxic to cats, and should be avoided.
Popcorn: While carbohydrate-heavy popcorn kernels aren’t toxic to cats, their small size means they can be a choking hazard.
Butter: With its high fat content and lactose, butter can cause digestive issues in cats.

The bottom line: Human food for cats

Avocados should be avoided. Like all human foods, avocados should be thought of in terms of being supplementary to your cat’s cat food diet.

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