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Can Cats Eat Garlic?
Do not give garlic to cats.
Is garlic safe for cats?
Garlic is part of the allium family, along with onions, leeks and chives, and is used as a seasoning in a huge range of dishes. Garlic is toxic to cats and is considered even more potent than onion. It damages red blood cells and can cause anemia, sometimes several days after it is eaten.
What to do instead
- Check labels for garlic and garlic powder, which are easy to miss in sauces and seasoning blends
- Keep garlic and dishes made with it out of reach
- If your cat ate any, call your vet or a poison hotline, because signs can be delayed by days
- Choose a treat made for cats instead
What to avoid
- Raw, cooked, dried and powdered garlic
- Sauces, dressings and seasoning blends that contain garlic
- Garlic-flavored supplements sometimes marketed for flea control
How much garlic can my cat have?
There is no amount of garlic that we can recommend for cats. Skip it entirely.
Signs your cat may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your cat has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Important: Signs can appear several days after eating garlic and may include weakness, pale gums, fast breathing, dark urine, vomiting and loss of appetite. Cats are especially sensitive, so call your vet even after a small amount.
Frequently asked questions
Can kittens eat garlic?
No. Garlic should not be given to cats of any age.
What should I do if my cat ate garlic?
Call your vet or an animal poison hotline right away, even if your cat seems fine. Tell them what was eaten, roughly how much, when, and your cat's weight. Do not try to make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Is there a safe amount of garlic for my cat?
There is no amount of garlic that we can recommend, and some cats react to very small amounts. It is best not to give any.
More questions cat owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Dogs Eat Garlic?