Can Cats Eat Garlic?

⛔ No — toxic

No. Garlic damages cats’ red blood cells, and cats are more sensitive to it than dogs. Garlic powder and cooked dishes count too.

Reviewed by Plan for Paw · Updated October 2026 · 2 sources

If your cat ate garlic
  1. Call your vet or a poison line — tell them how much and in what form (powder is more concentrated).
  2. Your vet may check your cat’s blood over the following days.

Call your vet or a 24/7 animal poison line now: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661

What makes it harmful
Organosulfur compounds (as in onions, leeks and chives)
Signs appear
Stomach upset within a day; anaemia can take several days to appear

Symptoms to watch for

  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Pale gums
  • Fast breathing
  • Dark or red urine

Sources

General information checked against published veterinary sources. Every cat is different — ask your vet before changing its diet, and call them if it seems unwell.