Is Avocado toxic to cats?

Moderate severity

Yes. It can cause real illness — contact your vet if your pet has been exposed.

Symptoms to watch for

foreign body obstruction
pancreatitis
inability to perch
difficulty breathing
fluid accumulation around heart and lungs
liver failure
kidney failure
sudden death
mastitis
swelling of the mouth
swelling of the head
swelling of the neck
swelling of the chest
heart damage

How vets treat it

Immediate veterinary intervention is required for birds and large animals; for dogs and cats, monitor for signs of gastrointestinal obstruction or pancreatitis and seek veterinary care if the seed is ingested.

Why it's dangerous

Avocado contains persin, which causes cardiac and respiratory distress in birds and large animals, while its high fat content can trigger pancreatitis in dogs and cats.

Toxic compound: persin

Good to know

The large seed poses a significant choking and obstruction risk for dogs and cats. Birds are extremely susceptible to persin poisoning.

Sources

Pet Poison Helpline

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

More substances toxic to cats

Alcohol Extreme severity Apricot Pits, Seeds, Leaves, and Stems Extreme severity Caffeine Extreme severity Cherry Pits, Seeds, Leaves, and Stems Extreme severity Everything toxic to cats →

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