Garlic is a popular spice in most kitchens because of its health-promoting properties. Also known as stinking rose or rustic treacle, garlic is rich in minerals and vitamins and is responsible for various biological activities in our bodies, protecting us from common fungal and bacterial infections. Considering all its benefits in a human diet, it is common for feline parents to ask, “Can cats eat garlic?” Read on to learn more about this.
Is Garlic Safe for Cats?
Are you considering including garlic in your cat's favorite dishes and treats? Don’t! Garlic is poisonous to cats and your pet should never ingest it whether cooked or raw. Your cat should never eat food containing this bulbous vegetable. Even a small quantity can cause allergies, putting your feline friend’s health at risk. To guarantee your pet’s well-being, always prepare their meals carefully to ensure they are free from harmful ingredients.
Why Is Garlic Harmful to Cats?
Is garlic safe for cats? Well, garlic belongs to a genus of flowering plants known as Allium spp, together with onions, chives, and leeks. These plants are normally associated with toxicosis, a disease or pathology caused by toxins. When garlic is chopped, chewed, or cooked, it produces oxidants that contain sulfur. The absorption of these compounds by your pet leads to oxidative damage to the animal’s red blood cells.
According to PetMD, garlic contains sodium n-propyl thiosulfate, a toxic compound that causes damage to red blood cells leading to hemolysis. If the condition is not addressed as soon as possible, hemolysis can result in anemia. This means your cat's organs will not receive sufficient oxygen, which can result in organ failure or, in severe cases, death. After hemolysis, your pet may suffer from hemoglobinuria, which leads to secondary nephrosis.
Symptoms of Garlic Poisoning in Cats
It is difficult to tell immediately if your cat has consumed garlic, because the symptoms take a while to appear. In some cases, clinical signs may develop within a day or two, according to PetMD. If your cat has taken food made with garlic by accident, and you are wondering, “Is garlic bad for cats?” here are some of the symptoms to look out for:
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Discolored urine
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Weak gums
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Panting
- Not eating
It is best to contact your vet and get an appointment for a full exam, when you notice your cat has consumed garlic. Try to find traces of garlic in your cat's food if they showcase any of these symptoms. In addition, you can contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 8884264435 for more information on cats and garlic and to determine if your pet needs to go to the ER.
Foods and Supplements that May Contain Garlic
There’s no denying that garlic is a common ingredient in food and supplements. While it is beneficial to human health, it is important to note that garlic is toxic to our furry friends and can cause severe poisoning. Here are some foods and supplements that contain garlic:
- Baby food: While feeding your cat baby food can be a good idea, especially if you are trying out other options, some contain garlic. If your feline has lost interest in a regular diet, and you are thinking of exploring baby food, it is essential to choose the ones without harmful additives. Baby food made from meat is an example of human food that is dangerous for cats because they are often seasoned with garlic and onions according to PetMD.
- Seasoned meat: Most seasoned meat and fish are marinated with garlic or garlic powder. Sausages, cured meats, and some marinades are examples of meat seasoned with garlic.
- Cat supplements and garlic additives: Some cat supplements like cat garlic tablets and odorless garlic oil are formulated with garlic. However, it’s a controversial topic in the veterinary community. We recommend that you talk to your vet first before feeding your cat supplements with garlic additives.
Safe Alternatives to Garlic for Cats
Just like we are drawn to the delicious aromas of food, so are our furry companion friends. Unfortunately, most of these detectable foods contain garlic and are not that kind to our four-legged buddies. Since we already know some of the hazards of garlic on cats’ food, here are safe alternatives you can consider:
· Vegetables: other vegetables are a great alternative to garlic. They are low in calories and rich in fiber. Cut veggies like celery, carrots, green beans, and cauliflower into small pieces and feed them to your cat as treats.
· Lean meat: Instead of processed meat like bacon or lunch meat that is often seasoned with garlic and is salty, feed your cat lean meat. This can be lean boneless and cooked turkey, chicken, and pork.
· Fruits: Although our feline friends lack receptors for sweetness, they can still enjoy fruits like bananas, watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries in moderation. Fruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
How to Prevent Garlic Poisoning in Cats
Prevention is better than cure. Here’s how you can keep garlic out of your cat’s reach. Store garlic in locked cabinets that cannot be accessed by your cat. You can also use containers and mesh bags for storage. Do not give your cat human food laced with garlic. Sometimes food might spill on the floor. Ensure you clean the spills immediately. Also, clean dirty plates and keep your kitchen door locked.
Contact your vet immediately if you notice your cat has consumed garlic. The vet will check for clinical signs and conduct blood sample tests to diagnose poisoning.
Conclusion
The best way to improve the bond between you and your furry friend is to share food. However, it is essential to know the type of food to feed them. Now that you know garlic is poisonous to cats, take measures to ensure your cat receives a healthy and appropriate diet. It is also essential to note the severity of garlic poisoning varies for each cat. While most cats can recover from mild garlic poisoning, it is still recommended that you keep your cat from eating garlic in any form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much garlic can a cat eat without symptoms?
It is difficult to estimate the amount of garlic a cat can eat without showing symptoms. The potency of garlic, combined with the small size of our feline friends, makes even small amounts highly toxic. About 4-7 grams of garlic can cause severe toxicity for a 10-12 pound cat.
