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Pet safety

Is Shallot toxic to cats?

Allium cepa var. aggregatum

Toxic to cats

Yes — shallot 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. Shallots belong to Allium cepa, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle, N-propyl disulfide, damages red blood cells and causes Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Signs include vomiting, weakness, elevated heart rate, panting, and blood in the urine; every part is toxic whether raw, cooked, or dried.

What to do if your cat ate shallot

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

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

Is shallot toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is shallot toxic to cats?

Yes — shallot is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Shallots belong to Allium cepa, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle, N-propyl disulfide, damages red blood cells and causes Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Signs include vomiting, weakness, elevated heart rate, panting, and blood in the urine; every part is toxic whether raw, cooked, or dried.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats shallot?

Shallots belong to Allium cepa, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle, N-propyl disulfide, damages red blood cells and causes Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Signs include vomiting, weakness, elevated heart rate, panting, and blood in the urine; every part is toxic whether 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 shallot.

What should I do if my cat ate shallot?

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 shallot toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to shallot?

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 shallot pet-safety