What to Do If Your Cat Eats Garlic 🐱🧄

What to Do If Your Cat Eats Garlic?

As a pet parent, you always want the best for your furry friend. But sometimes, our cats can get into things they shouldn’t, like our food.

One such food that can be harmful to cats is garlic. While it’s a staple in many human diets and known for its health benefits, it’s a different story altogether for our feline friends.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into what happens if your cat eats garlic, the symptoms of garlic poisoning, and what immediate actions you should take. Let’s keep our cats safe together!

Garlic and Cats: A Dangerous Combination 🚫

Garlic, while a staple in many human dishes and known for its health benefits in people, is a different story altogether when it comes to our feline friends. Cats lack the ability to break down garlic, leading to a buildup in their system that can cause poisoning.

Garlic contains compounds called allyl sulfides, which are harmful to cats and can cause Heinz body anemia, a type of anemia caused by the ingestion of a compound called n-propyl disulfide.

Symptoms of Garlic Poisoning in Cats 😿

If your cat has ingested garlic, they may exhibit symptoms such as stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage, kidney damage, anemia, blood in the urine, breathing difficulties, and heart problems.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to take your cat to the vet immediately. Garlic can be toxic to cats, and even a small amount can cause serious health problems.

What to Do If Your Cat Eats Garlic: Immediate Actions 🚑

If you suspect your cat has ingested garlic, onions, or chives, call your veterinarian immediately. The treatment for garlic poisoning will depend on how much your cat has eaten and the severity of the poisoning. If your cat has ingested a small amount, your vet may want to observe them for a few hours. If no signs of garlic toxicity appear, your cat will likely be sent home.

However, if your cat has eaten a large amount of garlic, they will likely require treatment at a veterinary hospital. This could include inducing vomiting, oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the garlic from your cat’s stomach or intestines.

Preventing Garlic Toxicity in Cats: Safety Measures 🛡️

Preventing garlic toxicity in cats begins with keeping garlic out of reach.

Store garlic in a safe place where your cat can’t get to it. If your cat has already eaten garlic, ensure they drink plenty of water and try feeding them some bland food, like boiled chicken or rice.

It’s also important to note that garlic powder is not typically used in commercial cat food, as it is thought to be harmful to cats. If you’re using garlic supplements for yourself, make sure to keep them out of reach of curious pets.

Garlic and Other Allium Plants: A Family of Toxins 🌱

Garlic is part of the Allium family, which also includes onions, leeks, and chives. These plants contain toxins that can cause serious health problems in cats.

Garlic and onions are the most harmful plants in the Allium family, containing sulfoxides and disulfides that can damage a cat’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. If you think your cat has been poisoned by an Allium plant, call your vet immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions 🙋‍♀️

Q: Can a small amount of garlic harm my cat?

A: Yes, even a small amount of garlic can be toxic to cats. If you suspect your cat has ingested garlic, seek veterinary help immediately.

Q: What are the symptoms of garlic poisoning in cats?

A: Symptoms of garlic poisoning in cats can include stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage, kidney damage, anemia, blood in the urine, breathing difficulties, and heart problems.

Q: What should I do if my cat eats garlic?

A: If your cat eats garlic, call your veterinarian immediately. Depending on the amount ingested and the severity of the poisoning, treatment may include inducing vomiting, oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and in some severe cases, surgery.

Q: How can I prevent my cat from eating garlic?

A: Keep garlic and other Allium plants out of your cat’s reach. If your cat has already eaten garlic, ensure they drink plenty of water and try feeding them some bland food, like boiled chicken or rice.

Conclusion: Keep Your Cat Safe from Garlic 🐾

While garlic may be beneficial to humans, it’s a different story for our feline friends. Even a small amount of garlic can be toxic to cats, leading to serious health problems. If you suspect your cat has ingested garlic, seek veterinary help immediately. Remember, prevention is the best cure, so keep garlic and other Allium plants out of your cat’s reach.

We hope this guide has been informative and helpful in keeping your beloved pet safe.

For more information on cat health and safety, check out our other articles on pawsadviser.com, such as “Why My Cat Has Bad Breath: Causes and Remedies”, “What Shots Are Needed for Cats: Everything You Need to Know About Cat Vaccines”, and “How to Check If Your Cat Is Dehydrated”.