When adopting a pet, we must be aware that one of its basic needs is health care. For a cat, not only is a large litter box or a scratching post necessary, providing the best food is essential. Commonly and thanks to popular culture, it can be believed that cats eat fish , specifically tuna and drink milk.
Of course, nothing is further from reality. As human parents of the cat, we tend to give it some food that only humans consume, this as a reward or for reasons of haste or budget. We must be careful with it, because there are some like avocado that can cause a lot of damage. The answer is simply: no. This fruit, consumed daily in the Mexican diet, can cause a lot of damage because it contains a fatty acid (persin) that can poison the cat causing:
- vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation due to inflammation
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory problems
In the most severe cases of poisoning, it can cause death. In case the cat eats a large amount, it is advisable to take it to the vet immediately.
However, the Cats Eat Avocado it must be kept out of sight of cats at all times, as the smell can attract them. If you are wondering, for example, if cats can eat bananas or other types of fruit, you should know that strawberries, melon, watermelon are allowed in small quantities and very occasionally; You have to watch the sugar you consume.
What are the lethal foods for cats?
The amount you consume is key, if you consume a large dose and also, continuously, these foods can cause significant poisoning. The foods that the cat should have prohibited are:
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Nuts and grapes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Coffee
- raw dough
- citrus
As we pointed out at the beginning, milk should be consumed in small quantities and very occasionally. Likewise, it should be noted that you have to be careful with salty foods and raw fish or chicken meat, especially the bones. The cat is carnivorous but some components and parasites of what we mention are dangerous for them.
Foods that cats can eat
The most recommended thing is that the cat’s diet is balanced and only consists of special food for him, that is, let’s avoid giving him dog food! It will not be indifferent to you, but it can intoxicate you. Something you can allow him from time to time to enrich his diet is:
- The cucumber
- Strawberries
- Liver
- Shrimp
- carrots
- Apple
- Zucchini
Of course, balanced nutrition has water in it, so don’t forget to keep him hydrated with his always-fresh bowl of water. If you are interested, you can also try the BARF diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF), in which the pet only eats natural foods and does not eat carbohydrates.
This raw food-based regimen – if followed properly – allows them to improve their digestion and better process protein. Of course, the preparation of the menu must be taken care of and be cautious with the preparation.
A cat’s BARF diet includes:
- Raw meat (chicken or turkey, boneless)
- Eggs (cooked)
- carrots, pumpkin
- Chicken’s liver
Are avocados dangerous for cats?
One of the best things about avocados is that they are safe for cats. Dr. Rebello, emergency medical director for NorthStar VETS, warns that while avocados are safe for cats (and dogs), they are highly toxic to birds, especially bone and skin. So if you have bird friends, you’ll want to avoid sharing the avocado. But if your cat bites into some avocado from your sandwich, there’s nothing to worry about. In fact, after talking to the experts, we learned that you might even want to think about adding avocado to your cat’s diet.
Is avocado good for cats?
We know that avocado is not toxic for cats, but is it really good for them? Embrace’s director of pet insurance claims, Jenna Mahan, explained that “avocado is good for cats in the same way that it is good for humans.” Specifically, avocado is rich in healthy fats, amino acids, and vitamins E, A, and B6. She warns that if added to a cat’s diet, avocado can give cats “a boost of skin and coat goodness,” in addition to other nutritional benefits.
Can cats eat avocado pits?
The avocado pit or seed is usually thrown away and not eaten, and it is recommended that you also keep the pit away from your cat. The good news is that the pit itself is not poisonous (although it might cause minor digestive problems for your cat); however, it’s still not something you want to allow your cat (or any other pet in your home) to play or eat with. The real danger of avocado pits is that if your cat ingests one, it could cause an intestinal blockage that could be very serious.
And the skin?
Like the pit, the skin of avocados is usually composted or thrown away and not eaten. If you share avocado with your cat, don’t let him eat the avocado skin. As Dr. Rebello explains, the skin can cause stomach upset or obstruction in cats that consume it.
Give avocado to your cat:
If your cat is a fan of avocado, it’s safe to start incorporating the fruit into your cat’s diet. The easiest way to feed your cat avocado is to cut the fruit into small pieces. These small pieces can be offered directly to your cat as treats or mixed into their food at mealtimes. As with any new treat, keep the amount of avocado small to avoid digestive upset for your cat. Dr. Rebello specifically warns that any cat that has a history of gastritis or pancreatitis should not eat avocado. Because avocados are high in fat, they could upset a cat’s stomach or increase the risk of pancreatic inflammation returning in cats with these pre-existing conditions.
