Can Cats Eat Garlic?

No, cats should not eat garlic. Garlic damages a cat’s red blood cells and can lead to anemia, which means the blood can’t carry enough oxygen. Cats are more sensitive to it than dogs. Raw, cooked, and powdered garlic are all risky, so keep every form away from your cat.

Why is garlic bad for cats?

Garlic belongs to the Allium family, along with onions, leeks, and chives. The ASPCA says these plants can irritate the stomach and damage red blood cells. That can lead to anemia, or low red blood cells. The ASPCA also notes that cats are more sensitive than dogs. Pet Poison Helpline agrees that cats are especially sensitive.

The Merck Veterinary Manual says garlic is 3 to 5 times more toxic than onion. It also says cats are the most sensitive pets of all. Harm has been reported in cats after they ate less than a teaspoon of cooked onion. Garlic is stronger than onion, so even small bites are not worth the chance.

What signs of garlic poisoning should I watch for?

Merck says signs often don’t appear until the red blood cells are badly damaged, usually a few days after your cat ate garlic. The damage starts within about 24 hours. Red blood cells break down most around 3 to 5 days after eating it.

Signs listed by Merck and the ASPCA include:

• Being very tired or weak
• Not wanting to eat
• Fast breathing or a fast heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Yellow skin or gums (jaundice)
• Blood in the urine, or dark urine
• Collapse

Because signs are slow, don’t wait for them. Call a vet as soon as you know your cat ate garlic.

What should I do if my cat ate garlic?

1. Take garlic or the food away from your cat.
2. Call your vet or a poison hotline. Tell them what your cat ate, how much, and when. Your cat’s weight helps too.
3. Follow their advice. Don’t give home remedies or make your cat vomit unless told to.

Merck says vets may remove what is left in the stomach early, give oxygen or a blood transfusion if needed, and give IV fluids to protect the kidneys. Pet Poison Helpline notes that the amount, your cat’s size, and other things all change how risky it is, so a professional should judge each case.

Other kinds of garlic

Is garlic powder safe for cats?

No. Merck says dried and powdered Allium products are the most concentrated forms, and that powders are a particular risk. A little powder has much more garlic in it than one fresh clove. Garlic powder is in many seasonings, rubs, and sauces, so check labels.

Is cooked garlic safe for cats?

No. Cooking does not make garlic safe. Merck lists raw, cooked, dehydrated, and granulated garlic as risks.

What about foods with garlic in them?

Garlic bread, pasta sauce, soups, and gravy often contain garlic or garlic powder. Onion is also risky for cats, so skip foods that list either one. Don’t share them, and check the label first.

How can I keep garlic away from my cat?

• Keep garlic, seasonings, and leftovers where your cat can’t reach them.
• Don’t feed table scraps from meals cooked with garlic or onion.
• Read labels on sauces, broths, and treats before you share them.
• If you grow garlic, keep your cat away from the plants.

What can I give my cat instead?

Skip seasoned people food. If you want to share something, check our guide on whether cats can eat eggs or tuna. Keep treats small, about 10% of daily calories at most. For more, see our list of foods and household items that are toxic to cats.