can cats have avocado

Cats can eat avocado flesh in small and infrequent amounts without serious harm, but caution is needed. While the flesh contains beneficial nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber, the avocado also contains a toxin called persin mainly in the skin, pit, and leaves, which can be harmful to cats. The high fat content of avocado flesh may also pose health risks like pancreatitis if consumed in larger amounts. Therefore, avocado should only be fed to cats in small quantities (around a tablespoon or 15 grams) with the skin and pit removed, and it should not be a regular part of their diet. If a cat ingests the skin, pit, or other parts with higher persin levels, or if it eats too much avocado flesh, veterinary advice should be sought immediately due to potential symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and abdominal pain.