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Pet safety

Is Spring Onion toxic to cats?

Allium fistulosum 'White Lisbon'

Toxic to cats

Yes — spring 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. ASPCA lists Allium species, which includes spring onions/scallions, onions, garlic, leeks and chives, as toxic to dogs and cats. The organosulfoxides they contain cause oxidative red-blood-cell damage and Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia, with cats most sensitive. Watch for vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, weakness and dark urine; the toxin survives cooking.

What to do if your cat ate spring onion

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

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

Is spring onion toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spring onion toxic to cats?

Yes — spring onion 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, which includes spring onions/scallions, onions, garlic, leeks and chives, as toxic to dogs and cats. The organosulfoxides they contain cause oxidative red-blood-cell damage and Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia, with cats most sensitive. Watch for vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, weakness and dark urine; the toxin survives cooking.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spring onion?

ASPCA lists Allium species, which includes spring onions/scallions, onions, garlic, leeks and chives, as toxic to dogs and cats. The organosulfoxides they contain cause oxidative red-blood-cell damage and Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia, with cats most sensitive. Watch for vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, weakness and dark urine; the toxin survives cooking. 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 spring onion.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to spring 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 spring onion pet-safety