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Pet safety

Is Leek toxic to cats?

Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum 'Musselburgh'

Toxic to cats

Yes — leek 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 leeks, onions, garlic and chives) as toxic to dogs and cats. They contain organosulfoxides that convert on chewing to compounds causing oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Cats are most susceptible. Signs include vomiting, weakness, pale gums, lethargy and dark urine; cooking does not remove the toxin.

What to do if your cat ate leek

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

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

Is leek toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is leek toxic to cats?

Yes — leek 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 leeks, onions, garlic and chives) as toxic to dogs and cats. They contain organosulfoxides that convert on chewing to compounds causing oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Cats are most susceptible. Signs include vomiting, weakness, pale gums, lethargy and dark urine; cooking does not remove the toxin.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats leek?

ASPCA lists Allium species (including leeks, onions, garlic and chives) as toxic to dogs and cats. They contain organosulfoxides that convert on chewing to compounds causing oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Cats are most susceptible. Signs include vomiting, weakness, pale gums, lethargy and dark urine; cooking does not remove the toxin. 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 leek.

What should I do if my cat ate leek?

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 leek toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to leek?

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 leek pet-safety