What are the symptoms of Avocado poisoning in cats?

vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, difficulty breathing (rare), fluid accumulation around heart (rare, large doses)

Avocado

Q: Can cats eat Avocado?

Toxic: Avoid — persin in skin and pit is toxic; flesh is risky. Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin concentrated in the skin, pit, and leaves. The flesh contains lower levels but still poses risk. While cats are sometimes reported as more resistant to persin than birds or horses, persin can still cause vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage. The large pit is also a choking and obstruction hazard. The high fat content can trigger pancreatitis. Best avoided entirely. Source: ASPCA.

Toxic

Verdict

Avoid — persin in skin and pit is toxic; flesh is risky.

Toxic principle: persin

Source: ASPCA · Verified 2026-06-12

If your cat ate this

Cats hide symptoms — don't wait and see. Even small amounts of certain substances can be fatal to a cat. Act fast.

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
US — National hotline: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 aspca.org(24/7, Consultation fee may apply.)
US — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee; also covers Canada.)
GB — National hotline: Animal PoisonLine 01202 509 000 animalpoisonline.co.uk(24/7, £35 per call (8am–8pm weekdays), £45 at other times.)
AU — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 animalpoisons.com.au(24/7)
NZ — National hotline: Animal Poisons Helpline 0800 869 738 poisons.co.nz(11am–7pm NZ time (currently being extended), Charges apply.)
CA — National hotline: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 petpoisonhelpline.com(24/7, $89 per incident fee.)

Verified 2026-08-06

Verdict

Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin concentrated in the skin, pit, and leaves. The flesh contains lower levels but still poses risk. While cats are sometimes reported as more resistant to persin than birds or horses, persin can still cause vomiting, diarrhea, and myocardial damage. The large pit is also a choking and obstruction hazard. The high fat content can trigger pancreatitis. Best avoided entirely.

Symptoms to watch for

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal discomfort
• difficulty breathing (rare)
• fluid accumulation around heart (rare, large doses)

What to do

Avoid feeding avocado in any form. If your cat consumed avocado — especially the pit, skin, or leaves — contact your vet. Monitor for GI distress and respiratory symptoms.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 aspca.org