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Is Welsh Onion toxic to cats?

Allium fistulosum

Toxic to cats

Yes — welsh 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-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Like all Allium species it contains organosulfur compounds (e.g. N-propyl disulfide) that cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia; signs include vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing and red-tinged urine. Cats are especially sensitive. Keep all parts away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate welsh onion

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

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

Is welsh onion toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is welsh onion toxic to cats?

Yes — welsh onion is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Like all Allium species it contains organosulfur compounds (e.g. N-propyl disulfide) that cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia; signs include vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing and red-tinged urine. Cats are especially sensitive. Keep all parts away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats welsh onion?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Like all Allium species it contains organosulfur compounds (e.g. N-propyl disulfide) that cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to Heinz-body haemolytic anaemia; signs include vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing and red-tinged urine. Cats are especially sensitive. Keep all parts away from pets. 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 welsh onion.

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

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

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