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Avocado Dangerous to Cats

Avocado Ingestion Dangerous to Cats

The fruit’s leaves, seeds and bark contain a toxin unhealthy for pets.

While there are a few foods that both humans and pets can enjoy, some foods that are healthy for us can be dangerous to cats and other animal companions. One example is the avocado.

“Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as persin. The Guatemalan variety, which is the most common variety found in stores, appears to be the most problematic,” according to Dana Farbman, CVT, of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

The primary concern is with gastrointestinal irritation, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, these effects are seen in animals that have ingested significant quantities of fruit or branches.

If you suspect that your cat has eaten avocado — or any other potentially dangerous substance — call your veterinarian or the Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for 24-hour telephone assistance.

For more information on poison prevention, visit the ASPCA online.

Posted: November 09, 2006, 5 a.m. EST

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Reader Comments
My cat also loves avocados and melons and does not get sick.
J, Philadelphia, PA
Posted: 12/31/2009 7:05:10 AM
My blue Abyssinian girl "Lilo" loves avocado. It is second only to cantaloupe as her favorite treat. Not only does she eat avocado with no adverse affects, it actually helps her health. She has a rare form of FLUTD, in that she forms ammonium biurate crystals in her urine. It is suspected that she has a portosystemic shunt in her liver which is responsible for the buildup of ammonia and uric acid in her bloodstream, the two compounds which form the crystals in her urine. Acidic urine is a hospitable environment for these crystals but they dissolve in alkaline urine. Prescription alkalizing agents are given to her but they do not work as well as fruit which is known to alkalize the urine. Is it a coincidence that she loves and demands these foods which help relieve her condition? I've often wondered if the body knows what it needs to function better and those needs are expressed as food cravings, even in our pets.
I've veered a little from the topic but in summary, my cat doesn't seem to show any bad reaction to avocado. My vet is aware that I feed it to her and had no objection.
Cynthia, Southbury, CT
Posted: 12/28/2009 9:19:20 AM
From my understanding Avocados are like nut allergies in humans, It is not every situation that results in a reaction, but the liklihood is quite high so it is better to avoid ingestion all-together - No one wants to have their pet die
ivy, los angeles, CA
Posted: 12/16/2009 1:27:43 AM
I live on a small farm with lots of feral cats around we feed them some dry cat food but they also seem to like the avocados that fall from the tree we have. I have never seen one cat get sick and they all seem healthy.
Robert, Modesto, CA
Posted: 11/4/2009 11:23:44 AM
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