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Pet safety

Is Garlic toxic to cats?

Allium sativum

Toxic to cats

Yes — 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. ASPCA lists Allium species (including garlic) as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause haemolytic anaemia. Keep bulbs and foliage out of reach.

What to do if your cat ate garlic

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

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

Is garlic toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is garlic toxic to cats?

Yes — garlic 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 species (including garlic) as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause haemolytic anaemia. Keep bulbs and foliage out of reach.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats garlic?

ASPCA lists Allium species (including garlic) as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause haemolytic anaemia. Keep bulbs and foliage out of reach. 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 garlic.

What should I do if my cat ate 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 garlic toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to 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 garlic pet-safety