Can Cats Eat Onions or Garlic?
Last reviewed October 2026 · Based on 2 published veterinary sources (listed below)
No — toxic
No. Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives damage red blood cells and can cause anemia. Cats are more sensitive than dogs. Cooked, dried and powdered forms count, including onion powder in gravy, soup and baby food.
Symptoms (can take days to appear)
- Weakness, tiredness
- Pale or yellow gums
- Fast breathing
- Red or brown urine
- Vomiting, loss of appetite
What to do if your cat ate it
- Note what was eaten, roughly how much and when.
- Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a pet poison hotline before symptoms start.
- Never try to make a cat vomit at home. Home remedies such as salt or hydrogen peroxide can badly hurt cats.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're worried about your pet, call your vet or an emergency clinic.