Avocado is a strange beast (or should I say fruit).
Maybe I was ignorant in my younger years, but I don’t ever recall avocado being as popular as it is now.
Here in New Zealand, a popular meme has been that younger people cannot afford housing because they spend all their money on smashed avocado and takeaway coffee instead of saving up (like in the “good old days”).
Apparently, cartels are now making a killing – literally and figuratively – owing to the value of the avocado market. Seriously – Wikipedia even references concerns about the involvement of organised crime in avocado production in the introduction to the page about the avocado (and as we all know, if something is in a Wikipedia article introduction, then it must be fairly important).
You can buy clothes adorned with imagery of avocados, and to claim you dislike avocado is about as bold of a claim as you can make these days.
Socioeconomic implications of the avocado aside, as a Bengal cat owner, you may be wondering if it is safe for your feline friend to eat avocado.
Maybe you are tucking into some corn chips and guac, and your furry friend shows interest. Can you treat your Bengal to the delights of the green fruit flesh?
In other words, can Bengal cats avocado?
While it is true that cats can technically eat avocado flesh in small quantities, it is not a recommended food for them due to the potential for negative side effects.
Is Avocado Toxic To Bengal Cats?
Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. While the flesh of the avocado is generally safe for cats to eat, the skin and pit should be avoided as they can cause more severe gastrointestinal problems. It is important to keep in mind that even a small amount of avocado can cause problems for your cat, so it is best to avoid feeding it to them altogether.
In addition to the potential digestive issues, avocado is also high in fat, which can contribute to obesity in cats. Obese cats are at a higher risk for a variety of health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. While it may be tempting to offer your cat a small bite of avocado as a treat – and there is unlikely to be any great issues from a one-off avocado tasting session for your Bengal – you should definitely avoid repeated feeding of avocado to your cat.
It is always best to stick to a cat’s normal diet and not offer them human foods as treats (or if you want to feed a human food as a treat, pick something that is better suited e.g. a small piece of plain chicken or beef).
There are many safe and nutritious options available specifically formulated for feline nutrition. If you are concerned about your cat’s diet or suspect that they may have ingested avocado, it is important to contact your veterinarian for advice. Your vet will be able to provide you with the best course of action to ensure the health and well-being of your beloved pet.
Recap – Can Bengal Cats Safely Eat Avocado?
In conclusion, while cats can technically eat avocado, it is not a recommended food due to the potential for negative side effects. There is no nutritional benefit for your Bengal cat from them eating avocado, and it’s unlikely the taste will greatly appeal anyway. If you want to give human food as a treat, you’d be better off offering some meat (check out my comprehensive guide here to what Bengal cats can and cannot eat for more information).
To ensure the health and well-being of your feline friend, it is best to stick to a cat’s normal diet and avoid offering them human foods as treats If you are concerned about your cat’s diet or suspect that they may have ingested avocado, it is important to contact your veterinarian for guidance.
