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Is Chives toxic to cats?

Allium schoenoprasum

Toxic to cats

Yes — chives is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Allium schoenoprasum as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to N-propyl disulfide. Causes haemolytic anaemia; cooked or raw both dangerous. Cats are especially sensitive.

What to do if your cat ate chives

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move chives out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of chives to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten chives, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is chives toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chives toxic to cats?

Yes — chives is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Allium schoenoprasum as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to N-propyl disulfide. Causes haemolytic anaemia; cooked or raw both dangerous. Cats are especially sensitive.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chives?

ASPCA lists Allium schoenoprasum as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to N-propyl disulfide. Causes haemolytic anaemia; cooked or raw both dangerous. Cats are especially sensitive. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to chives.

What should I do if my cat ate chives?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is chives toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chives is toxic to dogs as well. See the full chives pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to chives?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full chives pet-safety