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Pet safety

Is Elephant Garlic toxic to cats?

Allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum

Toxic to cats

Yes — elephant garlic 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. Elephant garlic is Allium ampeloprasum, the same species the ASPCA lists under leek as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is N-propyl disulfide, which damages red blood cells and causes Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Signs include vomiting, weakness, rapid heart rate, panting, and blood in the urine; all parts are toxic raw, cooked, or dried.

What to do if your cat ate elephant garlic

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

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

Is elephant garlic toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is elephant garlic toxic to cats?

Yes — elephant garlic is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Elephant garlic is Allium ampeloprasum, the same species the ASPCA lists under leek as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is N-propyl disulfide, which damages red blood cells and causes Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Signs include vomiting, weakness, rapid heart rate, panting, and blood in the urine; all parts are toxic raw, cooked, or dried.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats elephant garlic?

Elephant garlic is Allium ampeloprasum, the same species the ASPCA lists under leek as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is N-propyl disulfide, which damages red blood cells and causes Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Signs include vomiting, weakness, rapid heart rate, panting, and blood in the urine; all parts are toxic raw, cooked, or dried. 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 elephant garlic.

What should I do if my cat ate elephant garlic?

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 elephant garlic toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to elephant garlic?

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 elephant garlic pet-safety