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Is 'Walla Walla' Onion toxic to cats?

Allium cepa 'Walla Walla'

Toxic to cats

Yes — 'walla walla' 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 causes oxidative damage to red blood cells leading to Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Signs include vomiting, weakness, rapid heart rate, panting, and blood in the urine; all onion parts are dangerous raw, cooked, or dried.

What to do if your cat ate 'walla walla' onion

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

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

Is 'walla walla' onion toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is 'walla walla' onion toxic to cats?

Yes — 'walla walla' 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 causes oxidative damage to red blood cells leading to Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Signs include vomiting, weakness, rapid heart rate, panting, and blood in the urine; all onion parts are dangerous raw, cooked, or dried.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats 'walla walla' 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 causes oxidative damage to red blood cells leading to Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia. Signs include vomiting, weakness, rapid heart rate, panting, and blood in the urine; all onion parts are dangerous 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 'walla walla' onion.

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

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

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