We all know that cats are meat eaters. This species requires protein of animal origin for everyday health. But there are times when even cats may want plant-based meals. Plants provide cats with fiber and other essential nutrients. Every cat may have different food preferences. These creatures are attentive to how the food appears, smells, and tastes. So, cat owners confirm that cats are picky. It was noted, however, that pets primarily enjoy firm, moist food. Thus, some cats may be tempted by the soft, watery flesh of the avocado. Is it safe for them? Let’s find out.
Is Avocado Safe For Cats?
Cats are curious and often want to participate in preparing and eating meals with humans. Wild cats that have fought for survival will be particularly persistent when looking into other people’s plates. The cats do not know all the food hazards, so keeping them safe is up to us. As a good cat owner, you should ensure your cat cannot get their paws on anything poisonous. So, you need to know a little about this. Today, you can expand this knowledge with another product: avocados. Can cats eat avocados?
The answer is no; cats can’t eat avocados. Therefore, do not give this green fruit to your cat, ever. And do ensure your pet does not accidentally access the avocado or its waste in the bin. Experts have advised that avocados are toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Various plant sections may poison cats, including the fruit, pit, and leaves. It has a compound that acts as a fungicide, persin. How does this chemical impact cats? Read on.
Why Can’t Cats Eat Avocados?
The dose-mortality of the toxin in avocados is unknown. Scientists reassure that this substance does not harm humans; on the contrary, it may have beneficial health properties. But for animals, this chemical can be highly toxic. And what this toxin can do to the animal also depends on the species. Avocados cause fluid to build up in most animals’ body parts, affecting organs like the lungs and heart. The disease process puts you in respiratory distress, which can lead to death as a result of low levels of oxygen.
Toxic avocado poisoning symptoms can be different. Pet owners can see several other health issues that cats suffer from. The early symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If you realize these signs and symptoms are tiring for your cat, visit the vet as quickly as possible. Avocado poisoning is very serious, causing death by acute respiratory failure or damage to the muscle tissue in the heart.
Aside from the toxicity, the flesh of avocados also poses a serious danger for cats with high-fat content. Cats need a significant amount of fat in their diet, but too much is not beneficial. Thus, avocados’ extremely high-fat content could cause pancreatitis in cats. Owing to these vital reasons, we can say that cats cannot eat avocados. Remember that.
Summary
Worldwide statistics show that dog and cat owners often keep calling veterinarians, per coming down of generalities of poisoning. So, poisoning is a very common problem. And fixing it is definitely the next best thing. Most of the poisonings can be because the owners do not know what the animal can eat and what it cannot eat. This is why education on the topic must be increased! Any expert would tell you avocado is poisonous to animals. Avocados are highly toxic to cats. Therefore, keep an eye on your pet so that it never reaches for any part of this plant.
Source
- Natália Kovalkovičová, Irena Šutiaková, Juraj Pistl, Václav Šutiak (2009). Some food toxic for pets.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2984110/
