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Pet safety

Is 'Red Baron' Onion toxic to cats?

Allium cepa 'Red Baron'

Toxic to cats

Yes — 'red baron' 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. Onion (Allium cepa), this cultivar's species, is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is N-propyl disulfide, which oxidises red blood cells and causes Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Watch for vomiting, lethargy, weakness, rapid breathing, and red-tinged urine; all parts are toxic raw, cooked, powdered, or dried.

What to do if your cat ate 'red baron' onion

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

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

Is 'red baron' onion toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is 'red baron' onion toxic to cats?

Yes — 'red baron' onion is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Onion (Allium cepa), this cultivar's species, is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is N-propyl disulfide, which oxidises red blood cells and causes Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Watch for vomiting, lethargy, weakness, rapid breathing, and red-tinged urine; all parts are toxic raw, cooked, powdered, or dried.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats 'red baron' onion?

Onion (Allium cepa), this cultivar's species, is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is N-propyl disulfide, which oxidises red blood cells and causes Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Watch for vomiting, lethargy, weakness, rapid breathing, and red-tinged urine; all parts are toxic raw, cooked, powdered, 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 'red baron' onion.

What should I do if my cat ate 'red baron' 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 'red baron' onion toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to 'red baron' 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 'red baron' onion pet-safety