Why it is dangerous for cats
Garlic belongs to the same plant family as onions, and its sulphur compounds damage red blood cells in the same way. Garlic holds even more of them than onion, and cats are more sensitive to them than dogs. The damaged cells break down and the cat becomes anaemic.
Any garlic is dangerous: raw, cooked, dried, powdered, or in sauces and meat products. Do not give garlic "against fleas" or "against worms" either: that is a myth, and the harm is real. How much garlic does harm cannot be judged at home, and signs may only appear several days later.
What to watch out for
- Sulphur compounds damage red blood cells and cause anaemia.
- The cat can turn lethargic, its gums pale and its urine red or brown.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea can follow, and the cat may stop eating.
- Garlic does not protect a cat against fleas or worms; it only does harm.
- Signs can appear only days later, so contact a vet straight away, even if your cat seems well, and say what it ate and when.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
What to give instead
Foods that are safer to give.
- Carrots Yes, plain cooked carrot is harmless to cats, but cats have no need for vegetables, so give it only as a small treat. Safe
- Pumpkin Yes, plain cooked pumpkin without sugar or spices is harmless to cats and fine as a small treat. Safe
- Chicken Yes, plain cooked chicken without bones, skin or seasoning is one of the best treats you can give a cat. Safe