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Is Cipollini Onion toxic to cats?

Allium cepa 'Cipollini'

Toxic to cats

Yes — cipollini onion 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. The ASPCA lists onion (Allium) as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts contain N-propyl disulfide and thiosulphates that damage red blood cells, causing oxidative haemolytic anaemia; signs include vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, weakness and reddish urine. Cats are especially sensitive. Keep raw, cooked and dried bulbs away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate cipollini onion

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move cipollini onion 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 cipollini onion to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is cipollini onion toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cipollini onion toxic to cats?

Yes — cipollini onion is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists onion (Allium) as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts contain N-propyl disulfide and thiosulphates that damage red blood cells, causing oxidative haemolytic anaemia; signs include vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, weakness and reddish urine. Cats are especially sensitive. Keep raw, cooked and dried bulbs away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cipollini onion?

The ASPCA lists onion (Allium) as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts contain N-propyl disulfide and thiosulphates that damage red blood cells, causing oxidative haemolytic anaemia; signs include vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, weakness and reddish urine. Cats are especially sensitive. Keep raw, cooked and dried bulbs away from pets. 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 cipollini onion.

What should I do if my cat ate cipollini onion?

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 cipollini onion toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to cipollini onion?

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 cipollini onion pet-safety