Can cats eat onions?
Also called: onion, shallots, shallot, scallions, spring onion, green onion, onion powder, Allium cepa
Toxic
Onions and the rest of the onion family damage cats' red blood cells.
No. Onions are part of the Allium (onion) family, which can destroy cats' red blood cells and cause anaemia. Cats are more sensitive to these foods than dogs.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting, weakness, a fast heart rate, panting and blood in the urine.
Why it's dangerous
- Cats rely on an antioxidant called glutathione, which makes them more sensitive to the onion family than dogs.
- Powders and seasonings are concentrated forms, so foods flavoured with them count too.
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Allium species can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage, which can lead to anemia (low red blood cells). Although cats are more susceptible
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
VCA Animal Hospitals
Onions, garlic, chives, shallots, leeks, and scallions are in the Allium species. Ingestion of these foods can cause destruction of red blood cells
Read "Household Hazards – Toxic Hazards for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Allium species can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage, which can lead to anemia (low red blood cells). Although cats are more susceptible
Read "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets"
Checked 9 October 2026
Pet Poison Helpline
Because of their dependence on an antioxidant called glutathione, cats are even more sensitive to these foods than their canine companions.
Checked 9 October 2026
VCA Animal Hospitals
Onions, garlic, chives, shallots, leeks, and scallions are in the Allium species. Ingestion of these foods can cause destruction of red blood cells
Read "Household Hazards – Toxic Hazards for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Clinical Signs: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting
Read "Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Onion"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Pet Poison Helpline
Because of their dependence on an antioxidant called glutathione, cats are even more sensitive to these foods than their canine companions.
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
Pet Poison Helpline
these foods also come in incredibly concentrated forms such as garlic and onion powder or salt.
Checked 9 October 2026