Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Cats Eat Garlic? Vet-Reviewed Risks & FAQ

Can Cats Eat Garlic

Few foods are as popular and as potent as garlic. We use garlic to imbue its delicious, savory flavor into our foods, and millions love the bulbous, flowering plant. However, if you’re a cat owner, you might wonder if your furry friend can eat garlic. You should never give garlic to your cat, even in small amounts, or put it in your cat’s food in the form of garlic powder or garlic salt. Garlic is highly toxic to cats. Eating even a tiny amount will make your cat very ill and, in higher amounts, can be fatal.

divider cats oct 2024

Why Is Garlic So Toxic for Cats?

Garlic is so bad for cats because of a compound in the plant called sodium n-propyl thiosulfate. It’s highly toxic to cats (and dogs) because it seeks out and damages their red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen from their heart and lungs to their bodies. This damage, called hemolysis (aka red blood cell destruction), causes anemia, which occurs when the organs of a cat’s body break down because they aren’t getting enough oxygen.

If a cat eats enough garlic, the anemia can become so severe that they don’t survive the experience. Therefore, if you know your cat has eaten a substantial portion of garlic, a trip to your veterinarian is essential. Don’t wait until your cat shows signs of being sick; by that point, it can be too late.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money

How Much Garlic Is Toxic for a Cat?

Garlic is toxic to cats and dogs. However, because most dogs are bigger than cats (and some are substantially bigger), a significantly smaller amount of garlic can be more harmful to a cat than a dog. Even a single clove of garlic can poison a cat and cause severe health issues. As for garlic powder, about ⅛ of a teaspoon would be enough to cause your cat severe distress, and both types of garlic in their respective amounts could be fatal.

What Can Happen When a Cat Eats a Lot of Garlic?

Sodium n-propyl thiosulfate causes hemolysis by attacking and destroying red blood cells. As we’ve seen, this can lead to deadly anemia if your cat eats a lot of garlic at once or over a long period.

The signs of anemia, which can appear rapidly or take days to show, include the following:
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Pale gums
  • Lethargy and weakness

If your cat eats a lot of garlic all at once, the signs of poisoning might not appear for several days. When they do, however, they can be shockingly severe. That’s why it’s best to immediately take a cat that’s eaten garlic to the veterinarian.

vet checking up the cat
Image Credit: PRESSLAB, Shutterstock

Is Garlic Powder or Garlic Salt Also Toxic for Cats?

Yes, garlic powder and garlic salt are toxic to cats and can cause the same health issues, including hemolysis and anemia. Indeed, because garlic powder and garlic salt are concentrated forms of garlic, they can be harmful to your cat in even smaller amounts.

Should You Feed Your Pets Food Seasoned with Garlic?

If you make fresh food for your cat, you should never include garlic of any kind, including fresh, cooked, and powdered. You may have heard that some people put garlic in the food they make for their cats because they think it will help their heart or prevent fleas. Both of these claims are abjectly false, and veterinarians warn against putting garlic of any kind in your cat’s food.

Is Cooked Garlic Safe for Cats?

Veterinarians agree that cooked garlic is just as bad for a cat as raw garlic and, in some respects, even worse. That’s because a cat can easily eat a lot of cooked garlic at once since it’s soft, easy to chew, and has a pleasing aroma. Raw garlic is just the opposite and, thus, more difficult to eat quickly.

fried garlic in wooden bowl and spoon
Image Credit: Jr images, Shutterstock

What To Do if Your Cat Eats Garlic

If you know your cat has eaten a lot of garlic, you should head to your veterinarian’s office. Your vet will likely induce vomiting so that your cat expels the garlic before its body can digest it (and the toxic compounds it contains).

If you didn’t see your cat eat garlic, but they’re showing the early signs of garlic poisoning (vomiting, diarrhea), you should bring them to your vet immediately. You should also note that there’s no accepted home remedy for a cat that’s eaten a lot of garlic, leaving veterinary care as your only option.

What About Other Plants in the Allium Family?

Garlic is part of the allium family of plants, including onions, shallots, and others. They can cause severe health issues for a cat and should all be avoided.

They include:
  • Shallots
  • Scallions (green onions)
  • Onions
  • Chives
  • Leeks
persian cat checked by vets
Image Credit: Beach Creatives, Shutterstock

divider cats oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Cats should never be fed garlic in any form since the plant and the bulbs it produces are toxic to felines. Even a single clove of garlic can cause severe health issues for your cat, so keeping it out of its reach (and out of your cat’s food) is a must.

If you see signs of garlic poisoning or know your pet has eaten garlic, an immediate trip to your vet is essential. In severe cases, fast action and veterinary care can save your cat’s life.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Can Cats Eat Corned Beef? Vet Approved Risks & Nutritional Information

Cold corned beef and boiled cabbage may be a St. Patrick’s Day staple for many Americans, but unfortunately, this dish is another human...

Can Cats Eat Corned Beef

Can Cats Eat Mustard? Vet-Verified Risks & Precautions

A cat sneaking a taste of the turkey sandwich you accidentally left on the counter can seem harmless until you consider everything that...

Catster_Can Cats Eat Mustard_v1_Dec 4 2024

Can Cats Eat Crackers? Vet-Verified Facts & Safe Alternatives

Our feline friends expend so much of their energy during the day playing or hunting down food. The more active their bodies get,...

Can Cats Eat Crackers

Can Cats Eat Pesto? Vet-Approved Risks & Safe Alternatives

Pesto is a household staple used in various foods, such as salad dressing, pizza, and chicken—the possibilities are limitless! If you’re a cat...

Can Cats Eat Pesto

More related

Can Cats Eat Prosciutto

Can Cats Eat Prosciutto? Vet-Approved Nutritional Advice & FAQ

One might not think cats would be beggars like dogs when it comes to our food, but they can be! If your cat...

Can Cats Eat Walnuts

Can Cats Eat Walnuts? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

As a pet owner, you may already know that nuts are the arch-enemy of dogs. Cats aren’t the biggest fans of them either....

Can Cats Eat Oranges

Can Cats Eat Oranges? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Oranges are sweet, tart, and tasty and one of the world’s most popular fruit. They can often be found in household fruit bowls,...

Can Cats Eat Hamburgers

Can Cats Eat Hamburgers? Vet-Approved Feline Treats

Cats are meat-eaters, and what is more carnivorous than a juicy burger made with ground beef, pork, chicken, or other meat? As long...

Keep reading

Is It Safe To Dye Your Cat’s Fur? Vet Approved Advice

If you’ve been online and pictures of cats with dyed coats have crossed your path, you may be wondering how the process works, what it involves, and whether it may be something to consider doing with your companion. In theory...

woman preparing dye for hair coloring on pink background

What’s the Price of Cat Urinary Treatment? 2025 Costs

Urinary conditions are a major concern for cat parents. The umbrella term that includes several bladder and urethral conditions in cats is “feline lower urinary tract disease” (FLUTD). Feline lower urinary tract disease can be caused by a variety of...

vet holding sick cat

Can Cats Eat Yams? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

Yams are a big part of meals in autumn and winter. As you prepare for holiday dishes, you may be wondering if you can share some of your yams with your cat. Or, if your cat likes to sample food...

Can Cats Eat Yams

How to Calm a Crazy Cat: 6 Vet-Approved Tips & Causes of Extra Energy

With their sudden energetic outbursts, wall-climbing maneuvers, putting their butts in our face, and countertop cruising, you might be forgiven for thinking that cats are more than a little crazy. However, there’s a limit to how much ‘crazy’ we can...

playful british shorthair cat

Can Cats Eat Fennel? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet of meat from animal sources. Once in a while, cat owners might wonder if the occasional fruit or vegetable is safe for cats to eat. Usually, some plants can provide fiber and...

Can Cats Eat Fennel

Will My Cat Get Diarrhea After Changing Food? Vet-Approved Nutritional Transition Facts & Advice

There are many reasons you might decide to change your cat’s food. Maybe your vet recommends a special diet to address your kitty’s health, or your pet store has stopped carrying your cat’s favorite food. Unfortunately, you can’t suddenly stop...

siamese cat eating food from bowl at home

Why Is My Cat’s Third Eyelid Showing? 5 Vet Reviewed Reasons & Advice

Cats do not see the world in the same way that humans do. Their eye anatomy is different, and their eyes glow due to a reflective membrane at the back of their eyes that helps them see well in the...

Vet ophthalmologist examining a cat_s eyes with a slit lamp

Do All Cats Have a Primordial Pouch? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cats can be a real mystery for a lot of reasons. They’re unique and independent creatures that often leave us scratching our heads. One of the unusual things you may have noticed about cats is that it seems like they...

Fat Cat On Floor