Nutrition

Onion and garlic in cats

By Faunexia editorial team Editorial and product

Based on reference sources Anchored to veterinary reference sources (Merck, AVMA, ASPCA, FDA, AAHA, ESCCAP, WSAVA, iCatCare, or others cited). No teleconsult; does not replace assessment of the individual.

Published marzo 25, 2026 Updated agosto 11, 2026 3 min

Onion and garlic (also in powder, broth or sofrito) are toxic to cats: they damage red blood cells. There is no “little insurance” at home that is worth the risk.

Verdict by species

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

Dogs Toxic / do not offer Anemia hemolítica potencial. Cats Toxic / do not offer Muy sensibles. Rabbits Toxic / do not offer Evitar. Birds Toxic / do not offer Evitar. Fish Toxic / do not offer No aplicable.

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 the like (alliums) can damage red blood cells(Merck — Allium; ASPCA — foods to avoid). In case of relevant ingestion in cats, contact a veterinarian; do not wait.

Immediate responseRemove product access, note time/amount/weight and contact 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). Do not generalize thresholds between species.

Substance / exposure

Cooked, raw, powdered or in food scraps. Toxic amount varies; no reliable home “safe dose.”

Quantity and time

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 If the amount is unknown, treat it as potentially hazardous.We do not publish operational mg/kg doseswithout clinical criteria of the case.

Possible signs

Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dark urine, lethargy.

The absence of initial signs does not guarantee safety.

Don'ts

Don't wait until Monday or apply a “7-Day Plan.”
Do not use home remedies, oil, salt, alcohol, or human drugs.
Do not copy checklists of other species.

Based on reference sources.Editorial criteria anchored to reference sources (Merck, AVMA, ASPCA or others cited). It is not a substitute for face-to-face veterinary care. No operative doses without source of the case.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wait to see symptoms?

Not on suspicion of relevant intoxication.

Do I induce vomiting?

Only if instructed to do so by a professional.

Does this replace a veterinarian?

No.

Sources

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