Can Cats Eat Avocados?

By Joel Marino February 1, 2019

Once the weekend sets in, there’s nothing as satisfying as enjoying a decadent brunch with the ones you love. Whether you’re sipping mimosas with the gal pals or slinging smiley-faced pancakes for your family, the weekly ritual is by far one of the best bonding experiences we can think of — so why not include your beloved cat in the fun?

They may not show it, but cats care for us as much as we care for them. That’s why we can’t think of a better way to bring a smile to your precious fur ball than by sharing a delectable brunch spread. However, be aware that not all human food is safe for kitty stomachs; what may seem appetizing to us may end up sending a pet to the emergency room. Before finalizing your sweet-and-savory menu, brush up on what popular brunch items are A-OK to plate for feline friends.

Scroll down to learn what side dishes pair best with “meow-mosas,” and what to skip when sharing brunch with your cat.

Can Cats Eat Avocado

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Avocados

Good news for fans of avocado toast: The creamy green fruit is as safe and healthy for cats as it is for humans. In fact, mixing some of the produce guac-style into your cat’s normal food is a great way to introduce healthy nutrients into their diet. However, make sure your pet doesn’t confuse the avocado pit for a ball of yarn, as the seed and peel are heavy in a natural compound called persin that could poison unsuspecting kitties.
Can Cats Eat Pancakes

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Pancakes

Though recent studies have shown that cats love carbs as much as we do, we shouldn’t rush to fill their dinner plates with a stack of hotcakes. A large percentage of cats are lactose intolerant, meaning the milk and butter in the recipe could upset their sensitive tummies. If you want your precious pet to enjoy some flapjacks, All Pet Magazine recommends whipping up some dairy-free vegan pancakes instead.
Can Cats Drink Orange Juice

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Orange Juice

Orange juice might fill us up with crucial vitamins, but it sadly can’t do the same for cats. The fruit contains essential oils that frisky felines can’t metabolize, so be prepared for a big litter-box cleanup should your pet take some sips of your morning OJ.
Can Cats Eat Grapefruit

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Grapefruit

Like oranges (and pretty much every other citrus), grapefruits contain essential oils that are toxic to cats. According to the ASPCA, consuming grapefruits can result in vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and potential dermatitis. So while the fruit may be great at turbo-charging your diet, it’s best to keep it off the brunch menu when your cat’s around.
Can Cats Eat Eggs

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Eggs

Yes, cats can eat eggs, which are an excellent source of amino acids and proteins for them, according to pet nutritionists at Purina. As long as you make sure the dish has been thoroughly cooked, has no salt or added ingredients, and has been completely scrubbed of eggshells, that brunch scramble is sure to become your kitty’s new favorite treat.
Cat Cats Eat Bacon

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Bacon

Cats are carnivores, so it makes sense that they’d enjoy a nice cut of ham or a thick slab of bacon, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The classic brunch staples are nearly always cured, meaning they’re high in sodium (there’s 137.4 milligrams of sodium in one slice of bacon, which is 10 times the recommended daily sodium intake for cats). The same goes for breakfast sausage, especially if it contains onions, garlic, or other ingredients harmful to the pets.
Can Cats Drink Coffee

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Coffee

As with dogs, the caffeine found in coffee, teas, and chocolate is not safe for cat consumption. The dangers of drinking coffee for cats include rapid breathing, heart palpitations, seizures, and even falling into a coma, according to FamilyPet. We’re sure you meant to keep that cup of joe all to yourself, anyway.
Can Cats Eat Potatoes

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Potatoes

Mashed, boiled, and baked potatoes are perfectly safe and tasty brunch options for your cat (in fact, the tuber is included in some types of cat food). However, keep in mind that raw potatoes and their peelings are lethal to cats, so make sure your pet doesn't munch on them while you prepare his brunch spuds.
Can Cats Eat Kale

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Kale

Whether or not you’re over the manic kale craze that swept the nation a few years back, we recommend keeping the leafy green away from your feline brunch partner. According to BestPet, kale can cause life-threatening anemia in our fuzzy pals. If you want to include some healthy veggies in your weekend meal, opt for broccoli instead — it’s in the same family as kale, and it will make your cat’s tummy happy if served unseasoned.
Can Cats Eat Salmon

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Salmon

Though your tiny buddy is sure to go catnip-crazy for any kind of fish, try not to overdo it. Cats in the wild don’t eat fish, meaning domesticated ones are prone to develop allergies if too much of it is introduced into their diets. Slipping some cooked salmon into their plates is fine, as long as it’s not from your eggs Benedict: Like bacon, smoked salmon’s sodium levels are too high for kitties.
Can Cats Eat Bagels

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Bagel With Cream Cheese

This one’s an interesting yes/no scenario: Cats can have bagels, but you should probably serve it schmear-free. As mentioned earlier, anything dairy should be avoided due to their lactose intolerance. However, plain bagels are usually not made with milk or butter, so little nibbles won’t do them any harm.