Skip to content

Nutrition

Onion and garlic in cats

Onion and garlic (also in powder, broth or sauté) are toxic to cats: they damage red blood cells. There is no "little safe" home that is worth the risk.

Onion and garlic in cats

Verdict by species

Quick lookup with species-level judgment. The article covers risks, preparation, and when to call a veterinarian.

Dose, preparation, and precautions

Editorial guidance by species. Adjust for weight, age, and your veterinarian’s advice.

Species Amount Preparation Caution
Dogs 0 — do not offer Not applicable Anemia hemolítica potencial.
Cats 0 — do not offer Not applicable Muy sensibles.
Rabbits 0 — do not offer Not applicable Evitar.
Birds 0 — do not offer Not applicable Evitar.
Fish 0 — do not offer Not applicable No aplicable.

Onion, garlic, leek and similar (alliums) can damage red blood cells(Merck—Allium; ASPCA — foods to avoid). If there is significant ingestion in cats, contact your veterinarian; don't wait

Immediate response.Remove access to the product, note time/amount/weight and contact your veterinarian or animal toxicology. Do not induce vomiting without indication. Don't wait. Related:onion and garlic tab · nutrition felina

Susceptible species

Reference:Merck—Allium; ASPCA — foods to avoid

Cats (also relevant in dogs). No generalices umbrales entre speciess.

Substance/exposure

Cooked, raw, powdered or leftover food. The toxic amount varies; There is no reliable homemade “safe dose.”

Quantity and time

The severity depends on the weight, quantity, and time since exposure. If the quantity is unknown, treat it as potentially hazardous.We do not publish operational mg/kg doseswithout clinical criteria of the case.

Possible signs

  • Vómito, diarrhea, debilidad, orina oscura, letargo.

The absence of initial signs does not guarantee safety.

What not to do

  • Don't wait until Monday or apply a "7-day plan."
  • Do not use home remedies, oil, salt, alcohol or human drugs.
  • No copies checklists de otras speciess.

Based on reference sources.Editorial criteria anchored to reference sources (Merck, AVMA, ASPCA or others cited). It does not replace in-person veterinary care. No operative doses no source of the case.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wait to see symptoms

Not in case of suspicion of relevant poisoning.

Do I induce vomiting

Only if a professional indicates it.

Does this replace a veterinarian?

No.

Sources

  1. ASPCA — People foods to avoid www.aspca.org· consulted 2026-08-07
  2. Merck — Allium toxicsis www.merckvetmanual.com· consulted 2026-08-07