A Recipe For Disaster: Garlic & Cats

Garlic is one of life’s simple pleasures. An irreplaceable necessity for bread and mashed-potatoes. A seasoning we can’t imagine most dishes without. And because of this, we usually have some in the house. Although garlic may be a kitchen essential for us, it is quite the opposite for our cats. For our cats, it’s highly toxic. Whole, minced, raw, pickled, powdered. Bad. No matter its form, garlic should never be fed to cats. 

What Happens?

When a cat consumes garlic, their red blood cells are destroyed, causing anemia. Anemia decreases the oxygen flow in the cat’s body, which damages their vital organs. Symptoms aren’t typically noticed right away, it takes 2-4 days for them to show. Cats become lethargic, their heart rate increases, their appetite decreases, their gums turn pale, and breathing becomes difficult. If you think your cat ingested garlic, take them to the vet immediately. 

That’s Not All

Like garlic, there are other kitchen staples we need to keep away from our kitties. Other vegetables in the allium family: Onions, chives, leeks, scallions, and shallots, should never be fed to your cat. It can be easy to overlook these tasty additions as something dangerous, especially when they're ground into a seasoning. Specifically onion powder, as it’s extremely common and typical to have some in the cupboard. Just like garlic, these Alliums can cause fatal damage to cats’ internal organs and should be safely kept out of reach.