If your cat has consumed any amount of garlic, or is showing signs of garlic poisoning (including lethargy or weakness, laboured breathing, pale or yellow gums, vomiting, diarrhea, discoloured urine, or loss of appetite), please bring them to your nearest emergency animal hospital immediately.
Happy October! Finally it's time to curl up on the couch with your kitties and rewatch your go-to lineup of nostalgic fall favourites, which might include iconic vampire films like Nosferatu, Dracula, or the Twilight franchise.
Vampires and cats actually have several things in common. They're stealthy. They have sharp fangs used for hunting prey (or toys). They also share an enemy: garlic.
While it's widespread knowledge that garlic wards off vampires in folklore, many cat lovers may not know that in real life, garlic is extremely dangerous for kitties, too.
Read on to find out why your cat should steer clear of the common ingredient.
Can cats safely eat garlic?
No. Garlic is toxic to cats in all forms, including:
- Raw garlic
- Cooked garlic
- Garlic powder
- Dried garlic
- Seasonings that contain garlic
- Garlic oils and extracts
While garlic mashed potatoes and garlic gravy are delicious holiday favourites for humans, kitties should stick to 100% cat-friendly treats.
How much garlic is considered toxic to cats?
Cats should not consume even small amounts of garlic, including dishes or seasonings that contain garlic. According to PetMD, less than one small clove of garlic can be highly poisonous for an average-sized cat.
Why is garlic toxic to cats?
Garlic—and all other members in the Allium family, including onions, chives, shallots and leeks— can cause red blood cell damage in cats, leading to a life-threatening form of anemia called Heinz body hemolytic anemia.
While garlic is also toxic to dogs, cattle, pigs, goats and sheep, it's especially harmful to felines.
Can cats eat garlic powder?
No. Powder in garlic form is even more concentrated than raw garlic, making garlic powder especially poisonous to cats.
What are the signs of garlic poisoning in cats?
Signs of garlic poisoning in cats include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Drooling
- Pale or yellow gums
- Red or brown urine
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid breathing
- Poor coordination
- Weakness or fatigue
- Rapid heart rate
Signs of toxicity can appear several days after exposure. This is why if you believe your cat has consumed any amount or any form of garlic, you should take them to an emergency vet right away, even if they appear to be fine.
What should I do if my cat has consumed garlic?
If your cat has consumed any amount of garlic, please bring them to your closest emergency animal hospital immediately, even if they aren't showing signs of toxicity. Signs of garlic poisoning may not appear for a few days, and the sooner your cat gets veterinary attention, the better.
Which holiday foods are safe for cats?
While your cat should stay away from anything garlic, there are some autumnal foods they can safely enjoy!
Pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling), apples, cranberries, and plain cooked turkey are safe as occasional treats for your cat. Make sure to cook, cut up or mash foods that may be a choking hazard.
See more cat-friendly holiday foods (and more holiday foods that are toxic to cats) here!
Treat your cat to 100% cat-safe fun
No (real) garlic will be found in your monthly meowboxes... but you will find a lot of catnip! Halloween themes (including the Count Scratchula vampire box) are available at checkout only during spooky season, while supplies last.
Get meowbox here.