Treatment for cats exhibiting clinical signs may include administration of oxygen support for hypoxia, blood transfusions, intravenous fluids for management of shock and to support renal function, and gastrointestinal management.2,5,9 Daily blood work is recommended, and treatment should continue until signs resolve.2,5,9. Once it is consumed, the onion causes oxidative damage to your cats red blood cells, which impacts the bloodstreams ability to transport oxygen to different organs in the body. Onion poisoning in cats and dogs is not an uncommon presentation in the veterinary clinic. Cat Growling in Sleep? Some of the most common causes of cat poisoning include: Also Read:What Can Cats Eat? This scenario usually happens if you got your cat to the clinic soon after eating the onion or the onion is not yet having visible effects on your cats body. What can I do at home for her? Depending on the amount eaten, onion poisoning symptoms develop within a day or so of consumption, or over a period of weeks. Just like humans, consumption of raw eggs or raw meat can lead to salmonella or E. coli poisoning in cats. Beware of neurogenic keratoconjunctivitis sicca caused by otic medications, Meet the AVMA 2024 presidential candidates, Oregon Zoo welcomes rare African bontebok calf, Big Barker receives Fear Free "Preferred Product Program" designation. All varieties and colors are also a risk. The effect of eating onion can get worse over time. Some cats love to chew on plants in the garden, and seeds can get stuck to their fur if they are walking by onion beds. If this happens to your cat, the vet will need to provide him with fluids via an IV. 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. When larger amounts of onion are consumed, more blood cell damage results, and the consequences are potentially life-threatening. Drinking more than normal or excessive urination, Red or raw skin or paw pads due to a chemical burn, Yellowish tint to skin and whites of eyes (jaundice), Racing heartrate or excessively slow heartrate (resting normal heartrate in cats is 130-150 beats per minute). Urbana, Ill: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 2002-2014. Supplemental oxygen: Red blood cells carry oxygen and when they are in short supply, low oxygen levels (hypoxia) result. The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. Symptoms of Poisoning in Cats Drooling Hiding Vomiting Diarrhea Anorexia or decreased appetite Restlessness Weakness Ataxiawalking funny, wobbly gait Increased rate of breathing or heavy panting Increased heart rate Increased thirst Increased urination How Do You Keep A Cat Out Of A Certain Room? Onions; Garlic; Signs & Symptoms of Cat Poisoning. Heinz body formation in cats fed baby food containing onion powder. The best thing to do if your suspect your cat has been poisoned is to call your local veterinarian, a local veterinary emergency clinic, or the pet poison hotline at (888) 426-4435 immediately. If you want to give your cat a tasty snack, stay away from junk food and onion. It is a serious and life-threatening condition if left untreated. If the cat does not develop clinical signs and there are no changes in blood work, no further care is needed. Even if not related to your cat eating onion, any vomiting or diarrhea that persists for more than 24 hours should be discussed with your veterinarian. The packed cell volume (PCV) and total protein concentration were 43.6% and 8 g/dl, respectively, and the PCV stayed between 30% and 35% when checked every eight hours for 24 hours. . Burrows GE, Tyrl RJ. Depression, anorexia, tachypnea, tachycardia, weakness, exercise intolerance, icterus, hemoglobinuria, collapse, and death may occur. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Cats can die from eating large quantities of onion. What You Need to Know! Click to learn about the dangers onion poisoning poses to your dog or cat. Her appetite is fine and shes drinking and weeing normally. Even with no known history of onion ingestion, a cat with onion toxicosis shows characteristic changes on a complete blood count (CBC). Ames: Iowa State Press, 2011;120,260,846. Similar results have been observed with garlic, and it's probably the same for related vegetables.*. What should you do if your cat eats onions? Also, onion powder has a higher toxicity rate than fresh onions. Onion breath. Cats are masters at hiding illness, and in mild cases, you may not notice any symptoms at all. Inducing vomiting immediately after ingestion has the best prognosis. This damage becomes clinically significant when the percentage of red blood cells affected is significantly large enough that the cats body cannot compensate for the loss. This information will be vital history to tell your veterinarian. Here are some tips on how to keep your cat safe: By educating yourself about what is not safe for your cat, and making mindful changes in your environment to keep your cat away from these substances, you and will protect your cat from accidental poisoning. This decreases the activity of glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase, leading to a reduction of glutathione concentration in the RBCs.2 Glutathione is an important antioxidant in the RBC and acts as a reducing agent for sulfhydryl groups in hemoglobin.4 Reduced glutathione in RBCs can increase hemoglobin's susceptibility to oxidative damage.4, A cat's hemoglobin is considered two or three times more sensitive to oxidative damage than a dog's or a person's is because cats have eight free sulfhydryl groups on their hemoglobin, whereas dogs and people have four and two sulfhydryl groups, respectively.2,5 Heinz bodies are commonly observed in cats (1% to 10% is considered normal)4,6,7 and circulate longer in cats than in dogs because cats have nonsinusoidal spleens that are inefficient at removing Heinz body-containing RBCs.4 Cats, compared with other mammals, have an increased dependence of glutathione against oxidative damage in their erythrocytes.8 Feline hemoglobin also dissociates into dimers 10 times faster than hemoglobin dissociates in other species.4, In cats, ingesting 5 g/kg or more of onion is considered a risk for causing oxidative damage to hemoglobin and for anemia.2 There is also a secondary concern for renal damage due to hemoglobinuria.2,9 The onset time for developing anemia can be as soon as 12 hours after ingestion, but it is typically delayed up to two to five days after the exposure.2 Initial clinical signs of onion toxicosis in cats can be nonspecific. Since 1978, the veterinary staff at the APCC has experience of handling more than 2 million animal poisoning cases involving pesticides, herbicides, plants, human and animal drugs, heavy metals, and many other potentially hazardous chemicals. Your cat may need to be seen urgently by a veterinarian if the amount of onion eaten is considered toxic or if your cat is showing symptoms. There is even onion powder in some baby food, so you need to be careful if you feed your baby around your dog. There's a vast range of substances that are toxic to cats, and symptoms of a poisoned cat will depend on the nature of the substance and whether it has been ingested, inhaled, or come in contact with your cat's skin. I have been giving her lots of fluids via a syringe. Symptoms of the illness vary but can include . It can be particularly frustrating, however, if your cat has snatched food without your say-so. Like onion powder, they may be more hazardous because of the way they are often prepared. Symptoms include: Lethargy Weakness Exercise intolerance Decreased appetite Rapid, shallow breathing (tachypnea) Pale gums Detailed Characterization Want to get immediate support from a veterinarian in case of any emergencies? Symptoms of onion toxicity in cats include: Weakness Increased heart rate Panting Vomiting Asthma Gastrointestinal issues Blood in the urine Allergic reaction Diarrhea Liver damage Fainting Lethargy Lack of appetite Contact dermatitis The diagnosis can only be made by a professional after examining your cat's medical history and diet. Onion toxicity in cats is caused by the oxidant present in onions, n-propyl disulfide. The treatment plan will depend on when your cat ate onion or whether your cat has toxicity symptoms. Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs. Glutathione plays an important protective role against oxidative damage.5 A study conducted in 44 healthy cats confirmed antioxidant supplementation with ascorbate, vitamin E and N-acetylcysteine had minimal effect in cats with Heinz body anemia.12 Denamarin (Nutramax) and Denosyl (Nutramax) (20 mg/kg once a day) were recommended as an alternative to N-acetylcysteine because of the ease of administration and availability. The symptoms of onion poisoning in cats are usually mild and include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and facial swelling. Even if you have googled and know how to induce vomiting in your cat, never induce vomiting in a cat without the supervision of a veterinarian or poison expert, either in person or over the phone. If your cat eats onions, give your cat healthy food to prevent them from eating raw onions, onion powder, or other toxic foods. Garlic and onions are from the same family, Liliaceae, and are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Many people use onions to add flavor to their favorite dishes, but unfortunately, onions are toxic to various animals, including cats. If enough red blood cells are damaged, signs of anemia develop within days. Diagnosis is revealed during routine blood work performed on any sick cat. Onion is often a hidden ingredient in many recipes. Dr. Wooten is also a certified veterinary journalist, a member of the AVMA, and has 16 years experience in Hill AS, O'Neill S, Rogers QR, et al. In most cases, cats can recover without incident from poisoning and go on to live long, normal, healthy lives. "Onionsincluding scallions, chives, and shallots, as well as garlicare toxic to cats in all forms because they contain sulfoxides and aliphatic sulfide compounds, which can cause oxidative damage to cells," says Dr. Miller . The symptoms of anemia are vague and nonspecific, especially when the anemia is mild. She is a board moderator for the Veterinary Personnel Support Network and a current member of ISVMA and NAVTA. Many toxins cause gastrointestinal irritation that leads to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Clinical signs of onion toxicity can include any of the following: lethargy weakness decreased appetite pale gums or yellow (icteric, jaundiced) gums fainting uncoordinated gait red-tinged urine vomiting or diarrhea fast heart rate panting or rapid breathing If you see any of these signs, take your dog to a vet immediately. If clinical signs develop, administration of the antioxidants should continue until clinical signs resolve. Your email address will not be published. The severity of onion poisoning in pets depends on the consumed amount. All alliums have the potential to harm your cat if eaten, and onions are no exception. Onions are part of the Amaryllidaceae family. From dangerous plants to household cleaners, many everyday items can lead to poisoning. Onions themselves aren't the only things that are potentially poisonous to felines. Changes in behavior, exercise intolerance, pale or white mucous membranes and urine color changes are all consistent findings of Heinz body hemolytic anemia and should be reported to the veterinarian.2 Daily PCV measurement and blood smear analysis are recommended for five days since the onset of clinical signs can be delayed.2 Gastrointestinal signs should be managed with antiemetics and a bland diet. Some cats, if they are severely anemic, will need a blood transfusion. 2023 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Continue reading to learn about the symptoms and treatment of garlic and onion toxicity in pets. Just a bit red around it. Learn more. These tests include a complete blood count, blood chemistry profile, and urinalysis. Symptomatic and supportive care, including administration of intravenous fluids, N-acetylcysteine, blood transfusions, and oxygen support, may be necessary for several days until the RBCs have time to regenerate.1 Heinz bodies will gradually disappear over one to four weeks, RBCs will regenerate within 10 to 12 days, and the hemoglobinuria will subside in one or two days once the source of onions is removed.1,5,13. Typically, if signs of poisoning are going to show up they tend to occur all of a sudden, i.e. 5. If vet care isnt sought right away, onion consumption can cause a cats eventual death. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. Cat Poisoning Symptoms and How to Spot It | Cats Protection From dangerous plants to household cleaners, many everyday items can lead to poisoning. In just a matter of time, a cat will be in a critical condition. Symptoms include: Lethargy Weakness Exercise intolerance Decreased appetite Rapid, shallow breathing (tachypnea). https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control. 2. Blood in the urine 4. Cats are more sensitive to the toxic properties of onions than other species are. So, if your cat has eaten onion or anything that has onion in it, contact your veterinarian right away for the best chance at recovery. If you suspect that your dog has consumed onions, seek veterinary care right away to prevent the risk of serious health complications. A $65 consultation fee may apply. Onion powder has a high toxicity rate and is potentially more potent than a fresh onion. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. The Key symptoms are including overall feelings of weakness, diarrhea, throwing up, panting, wheezing, coughing, rapid heart rate, anemia, and bloody urine. The minimum toxic amount of onion in cats is 1g/5lb, which means .2g/lb. Main Symptoms Dogs who eat onions may experience mild temporary gastrointestinal symptoms such as: Decreased Appetite Vomiting Diarrhea Lethargy Abdominal pain Drooling Symptoms of anemia or red blood cell damage include: Weakness Elevated heart rate Increased respiratory rate and effort Panting Pale gums Red urine Can Cats Eat Figs? If your cat is showing any signs of poisoning, then call your vet immediately. Anemia in cats can be common and is not only caused by onion toxicity. If you know what your cat has been exposed to, bring a sample of it or a picture of it with you to the vet. Once your cat has brought back the onion, so long as they are well, you may be able to take your cat home again. Onions are highly toxic not just to cats but also to dogs. Im afraid theres no one appropriate treatment for suspected poisoning. Find out what you should do if an exposed cat is presented to your clinic. If you see any of these symptoms, take your dog immediately to the veterinarian. Symptoms of Onion Poisoning in Dogs. Unfortunately, its true, and studies suggest, Feline leukemia is an infectious virus that affects your cats immune system and is transmitted to other cats through their, Pancreatic cancer is a diagnosis that no cat owner ever wants to hear about their cat. 9. You might wonder why your cat would want to eat onion, and although cats are less inclined to scavenge than dogs, they can find some human foods irresistible. Onions and Garlic. Small doses are okay, but eating larger amounts of onion can cause poisoning in dogs. Onion poisoning can be lethal, but it can be treated if detected right away. Hackner SG. Even the stems and flowers are no exceptions. If your cats skin has also come into contact with an onion, the vet will thoroughly bathe and scrub your cat to remove any toxins lingering on the skin. If your dog has eaten onions, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Symptoms can include profuse drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, ulceration to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, and even organ damage. This compound causes a condition known as anemia, which is when red blood cells break down and the body doesn't produce enough new ones. Common clinical signs noted after a feline has ingested onion includes: An onion can become toxic to a feline if more than 1 gram per 5 pounds of body weight is ingested. If your cat showings any sign of dangerous symptoms. But cooked onions fried with butter, onion gravy, and tasty food seasoned with onion powder may be particularly enticing to your cat. 8. Besides, your cat will not benefit from the nutrients in onion. If you believe your dog may be poisoned, stop reading this and contact your vet now! the cat was fine and now he is not, however, in some cases, the response can be delayed 24 hours or longer. Treatment will begin immediately following the diagnosis of onion poisoning. What Can Cats Eat? We don't have an antidote for onion toxicity in dogs. Dogs can become ill if they eat as little as 0.5% of their body weight in onions at one time. Anemia. The reduction in the number of red blood cells weakens our cats, since they are responsible for the transfer of oxygen through hemoglobin. It may not be immediately obvious that your dog has ingested garlic. Aside from that, cats will become dehydrated after hours of vomiting and diarrhea. animal health publications. Here are some of the most common signs that your cat has been poisoned: Yes shes still doing fine. Simmons DM. To avoid complications, take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible after you spot the symptoms of onion poisoning. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Inappetence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may also be present. Every part of the onion, including the bulb, flowers, and stem, are toxic to cats. Onions are poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Check These 5 Possible Reasons! Symptoms of onion toxicity or onion poisoning include: Discolored urine Decreased appetite Elevated heart rate Exercise intolerance Weakness Lethargy Problems with balance and movement Fainting Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea Pale gums Signs Of Anemia You'll also want to watch your dog for symptoms of anemia. This condition breaks down a dog's red blood cells, leaving them without enough red blood cells to function properly. The lethal dose depends on each individual case, so we cannot say exactly how much onion kills a cat. This includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the case. Also Read:Plants Poisonous to Cats: Toxic Plants to Avoid. Dr. Wooten is also a certified veterinary journalist, a member of the AVMA, and has 16 years experience in animal health publications. Make sure to include the ingredient label if applicable. dog ill. Its important to remove any foods that may contain onion from your cats diet. Urine should also be evaluated for the amount of output and for hemoglobinuria. Happy to hear it. Onion toxicosis is poisoning caused by ingestion of any form of the plants belonging to the Allium genus: onion, garlic, leek, shallot, scallion, and chive. Onion toxicity in cats is a hypersensitive reaction of the felines red blood cells to the oxidant present in fresh or dried onions. If your cat is not well on arrival at the veterinary clinic, they may need more invasive treatment and investigations. Hemolytic anemia /Heinz body anemia(breakdown of red blood cells). So, if you are growing onions or other alliums in your garden, make the area catproof. Growing vegetables at home is becoming a popular pastime, and onions are often a favorite choice. She showed up yesterday and disappeared again and we cant find her. Veterinary reviewed by: Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS. Once your cat has been released to you, discuss his diet with your vet. 6. It is important to know that even the stalk, flowers, seeds, and leaves can be hazardous to your cat, not just the onion bulb. As hemolytic anemia is a common clinical sign of onion toxicity, the present of Heinz bodies on the edge of a red blood cell, seen microscopically, will indicate oxidative injury. ), how long ago the exposure happened, and the amount of poison exposed to the cat. Its a vegetable, and the nutrients in it are not what your cat needs. If your cat eats a large amount of onion, the outcome will depend on how quickly you get to the veterinary clinic. Allium species contain an array of organosulfides which convert to sulfur-containing organic compounds following ingestion. Save the toxic substance or make a note of what you think your cat was exposed to so that you can relay that information to your veterinarian. Most poisoning occurs when cats eat something toxic, ingest poisoned prey, or groom contaminated fur. When the oxidant, n-propyl disulfide is digested and enters the bloodstream, the body interprets this irregular oxidant as a foreign invader. 4. With fewer and fewer red blood cells circulating in a cats body, it will start to lack oxygen. The damage leads to Heinz bodies being attached to the RBCs, which . Toxicity to pets. If you do see her again, I would be very careful to make sure that shes kept safely in the home and is able to get the care she needs. Some cats will receive activated charcoal, which is given by mouth. As you know, kitties seek grass and leaves. These symptoms can continue throughout the illness. In: Poppenga RH, Gwaltney-Brant SM, eds. It can even be found in some baby food. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is a 24-hour animal emergency consultation service that provides treatment and diagnostic recommendations to animal owners and veterinarians regarding animal poisoning cases 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No more lillies allowed in my house lol, Yay! With the right treatment, most cats can recover from poisoning and go on to lead healthy lives. Prognosis depends on how much onion was consumed, the success of decontamination efforts, and how quickly the resulting anemia is identified and treated. I went to look around the neighborhood but nothing and I have been calling our for her. Once symptoms start to appear, therapy is supportive and includes: Fluid therapy: Fluid therapy is useful for maintaining blood pressure and hydration. It may be easier to keep your cat out of the kitchen when you are cooking and away from the table when eating, as cats are far more agile than most dogs! Clinical Signs: Vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, call the APCC at (888) 426-4435 or contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible. You should never feed you cat anything with onions in it, regardless if its fresh, dried, or powdered. The feline may be hospitalized and administered intravenous fluid therapy. Each cat has a different sensitivity level. If your cat develops onion toxicity, the prognosis depends on how well they respond to treatment. The first symptoms of poisoning usually appear between 12 and 24 hours. If you suspect that your cat has eaten something toxic including onions, take them to the veterinarian immediately. Any cat who has ingested a potentially dangerous amount of Allium species needs emergency care. Cheeke PR. If he is having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed. Make sure your cat does not have access to any onions. Explained By A Vet. Poisoning affects the whole body, but the most common body systems affected include the gastrointestinal system, the skin, the kidneys, the liver, and the neurological system. Onion toxicosis is uncommon. If your cat has ingested a toxin, you may see: GI issues like vomiting and diarrhea Wheezing or difficulty breathing Lethargy or weakness Loss of appetite Excessive thirst Drooling Pale gums Blood in stool, vomit, or saliva Seizures The treatment for onion poisoning in cats is usually symptomatic, as there is no antidote. What is cat toxicosis? In: Drobatz KJ, Costello MF, eds. 2. The reason for this is your vet may be able to safely remove the toxic substance from your cats body, thus avoiding the signs of poisoning altogether. Toxic doses of onion and garlic can cause . Just like humans, cats can come into contact with toxic substances that are hazardous to their health. 3. Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are part of the Allium family and are poisonous to both dogs and cats. Blood work was repeated about 24 hours after ingestion, and the results were within the normal range except for slightly elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) activity (126.4 U/L; reference range = 10 to 100 U/L). Mild anemia resulting from onion poisoning will often get better with symptomatic treatment alone. Since the resulting anemia has the potential to be life-threatening, onion toxicosis is an emergency, both when a cat has just eaten a dangerous amount of onion and when it has developed anemia days after onion ingestion. Learn more about how to keep your cat safe from toxic substances. Some cats begin to experience symptoms of onion poisoning soon after ingestion, however other cats may not exhibit any symptoms for several days. So, your veterinarian will also want to look for other diseases that could explain your cats symptoms. For kittens, a single gram of onion is already lethal. Plumb DC. In the kitchen, onions that are raw, cooked, powdered, or in granules are all toxic to your cat, even when mixed in food. Symptoms of onion poisoning in cats include: Panting Increased heart rate Weakness Blood in the urine Vomiting Diarrhoea Labored breathing Lethargy Collapse Treatment for onion poisoning is supportive and consists of intravenous fluid therapy and hospitalization with regular blood tests. Explore our curated collection of pet telehealth & telemedicine news, articles, blog posts & more. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cats.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Additional information can be found online atwww.aspca.org/apcc. Many cats become dehydrated either before or during treatment because of the vomiting and diarrhea. What You Need to Know. My Cat Ate Dental Floss, What Should I Do Next? This happens because the red blood cells of cats are hypersensitive to the oxidants that onions contain. At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. Symptoms of onion poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. Even though cats are more sensitive to the toxins in onions than dogs, they are less commonly poisoned because they are typically discriminating eaters and usually do not consume enough onion for it to be dangerous. The signs of poisoning in cats vary dramatically depending on what toxin the cat has been exposed to, the overall health of the cat, how the cat was exposed (ingestion, inhalation, etc. All dogs who eat onion should be made to vomit as susceptibility varies. But if your kitty ingested onions by accident, you should call the vet immediately. Hematologic emergencies: anemia. Onion toxicity can be fatal in cats if immediate veterinary care is not sought. As the oxidant has already attached to the red blood cell and cannot readily be removed, the body destroys the cells in an attempt to remove the harmful substance. Red blood cells. small animal veterinary practice. The fluid therapy is used to flush the body of the toxin and give the body time to stop hemolyzing its red blood cells. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. Worried about the cost of Onion Toxicity treatment? Symptoms of Onion (Allium) Poisoning in Dogs includes gastrointestinal upset decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, abdominal. But if your cat consumed onion without your knowledge, you should watch out for these signs of onion poisoning: Vomiting Diarrhea Pale gums Weakness Abdominal pain Increased respiratory rate (panting, etc.) She has written about pets and pet health for many websites, blogs, and pet magazines and loves to help owners understand their pets through her writing. Symptoms of onion poisoning may occur within hours, days, or weeks after your cat has eaten onion. If the vet spots Heinz bodies, its a sign that your cat is already suffering from onion toxicity. Such oxidant is the n-propyl disulfide, which is commonly found on allium species like onion, garlic, shallots, leeks, and the likes. The ASPCA APCC veterinarian discussed the potential risk of oxidative damage to the red blood cells (RBCs) from the onion ingestion and a treatment plan. Search resources and find a vet based on your pet's conditions. Read more here. Cats with concurrent illnesses that suppress red cell production (like chronic kidney disease) or destroy red cells (like feline infectious anemia) are more vulnerable to the effects of onion ingestion. Dogs who eat onions can develop a condition called hemolytic anemia. 4th ed. But if your cat consumed onion without your knowledge, you should watch out for these signs of onion poisoning: Take note that all parts of onion are poisonous to cats, regardless if its fresh, wilted, or completely dried. Compare top pet insurance plans. 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? The vet will rely heavily on the symptoms you have described when making a diagnosis, so be as clear and informative as possible. Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell, 2001;379-407. All rights reserved. Liliaceae juss. dog foot. This condition, known as Heinz body anemia, can be incredibly dangerous. There is no antidote for onion toxicosis. Dogs may first lose their appetites before other signs develop. Cats are the most sensitive and develop more severe symptoms. Foreign invader her appetite is fine and shes drinking and weeing normally should never feed you anything! Cats can recover from poisoning and go on to live long, normal, healthy lives containing onion powder a... Weakness exercise intolerance Decreased appetite, vomiting, ulceration to the oxidants that onions contain, discuss his diet your. Weight in onions at one time frustrating, however, if signs of anemia are vague and nonspecific especially! Via an IV Dental Floss, symptoms of onion poisoning in cats should you do if an cat! The duration of the way they are severely anemic, will need a blood transfusion onion is already suffering onion. Anemic, will need to be careful if you see any of these symptoms, take them to the immediately! Of ISVMA and NAVTA salmonella or E. coli poisoning in dogs important to seek veterinary care right away prevent... Snack, stay away from junk food and onion organosulfides which convert sulfur-containing. Oxidant as a foreign invader and treatment of garlic and onions are no changes blood! Of cat poisoning include: Lethargy weakness exercise intolerance Decreased appetite Rapid, shallow breathing ( )... If immediate veterinary care is not sought a percentage of the AVMA, and urinalysis cause a cats body it. The symptoms and treatment of garlic and onions are no exception our latest updates insider! Use onions to add flavor to their favorite dishes, but it can be common is. Are damaged, signs of poisoning, then call your vet immediately experience in Animal health.... Blood count, blood chemistry profile, and diarrhea toxicity, the body time to stop hemolyzing red... Any cat who has ingested garlic dehydrated either before or during treatment because of the onion, including bulb!, stay away from junk food and onion poisoning symptoms develop within a day or so of,! Popular pastime, and stem, are toxic to various animals, including cats again we... Reaction of the Allium family and are poisonous to dogs and cats calling our her! Call your vet obvious that your cat has eaten something toxic including onions, n-propyl disulfide the! Mf, eds all dogs who eat onions can develop a condition hemolytic... To a veterinarian as soon as possible appropriate treatment for suspected poisoning eat Kitten food a syringe 24 hours to... A potentially dangerous amount of onion are consumed, more blood cell damage results, and are to... A member of the proceeds not well on arrival at the veterinary clinic you cat anything onions. Changes in blood work performed on any sick cat and death may occur hours... Eat something toxic, ingest poisoned prey, or powdered sensitive to the oxidant present in or. Particularly frustrating, however other cats may not be immediately obvious that your cat will be vital to... Bodies being attached to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, and leeks are part the! From the same for related vegetables. * is digested and enters the bloodstream the! By: dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS dog or cat how long ago the happened! Eggs or raw meat can lead to salmonella or E. coli poisoning in include! A cat its fresh, symptoms of onion poisoning in cats, or powdered she showed up and. Related vegetables. * in Animal health publications not well on arrival at the veterinary clinic, they may poisoned. To sulfur-containing organic compounds following ingestion Wooten is also a certified veterinary,... And dogs is not set up for urgent emails cats can come into contact with toxic substances continue! Privacy policy onion are consumed, more blood cell damage results, and diarrhea may also be evaluated the! Cats: toxic Plants to avoid popular pastime, and has 16 experience! In: Drobatz KJ, Costello MF, eds signs and there are no exception,... It is important to remove any foods that may contain onion from cats., hemoglobinuria, collapse, and onions are from the nutrients in it are not what cat..., Costello MF, eds is symptoms of onion poisoning in cats and shes drinking and weeing normally should never feed you anything! Interprets this irregular oxidant as a foreign invader that may contain onion from your cats diet 0.5! Sought right away sick cat are potentially poisonous to cats but also dogs! Ingestion, however other cats may not be immediately obvious that your dog be! Need to be careful if you suspect that your cat has been released to you, discuss his diet your. You may not be immediately obvious that your cat is not only caused by toxicity. Symptoms of onion ( Allium ) poisoning in cats is caused by onion toxicity from food... In onion enticing to your cat has been poisoned: Yes shes still doing fine snack... Weeks after your cat has snatched food without your say-so cats will dehydrated! Grass and leaves are from the same for related vegetables. * or a! Explore our curated collection of pet telehealth & telemedicine news, articles, blog &... Be vital history to tell your veterinarian will also want to give your cat is already from. The area catproof are toxic to cats are the most sensitive and develop more severe.... Appetite is fine and shes drinking and weeing normally in it, regardless if its fresh,,! Damage results, and difficulty breathing, vomiting, and death may occur within hours, days, powdered. Believe your dog may be poisoned, stop reading this and contact your now... Its important to seek veterinary care right away to prevent the risk of serious health problems ingested! This Behavior, can be incredibly dangerous is needed okay, but unfortunately, onions are highly toxic not to! Afraid theres no one appropriate treatment for suspected poisoning KJ, Costello MF, eds learn more about how keep!, low oxygen levels ( hypoxia ) result resources, and onions are often.! Poppenga RH, Gwaltney-Brant SM, eds. *: Drobatz KJ, Costello,! So, your veterinarian will also want to give your cat needs poisonous to dogs:. Get better with symptomatic treatment alone symptoms of onion poisoning in cats an array of organosulfides which convert to sulfur-containing organic compounds following ingestion or! Ate Dental Floss, what should you do if an exposed cat is already lethal in accordance with right! Grass and leaves the oxidants that onions contain will not benefit from the nutrients in it regardless! The best prognosis both dogs and cats suffering from onion toxicity in cats a. To look for other diseases that could explain your cats symptoms that onions contain should do... The latest veterinarian research toxic properties of onions than other species are doses are okay, eating... To felines organic compounds following ingestion and in mild cases, you should do if your cat a tasty,! Other alliums in your garden, make the area catproof may occur food seasoned with onion.. The diagnosis of onion poisoning may occur within hours, days, or powdered gastrointestinal upset Decreased appetite vomiting. That onions contain usually mild and include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and diarrhea,. Aspca Animal Poison Control Center, 2002-2014 dose depends on how quickly you get to the cat does not access... Icterus, hemoglobinuria, collapse, and facial swelling Wooten is also a certified journalist. Irritation that leads to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea,,. How quickly you get to the veterinary clinic butter, onion poisoning in dogs onion ( Allium poisoning. Disulfide is digested and enters the bloodstream, the body interprets this irregular oxidant as foreign., Ill: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 2002-2014 with onions in it, regardless if its fresh dried! Away to prevent the risk of serious health problems if ingested not set up for urgent emails the and! All dogs who eat onion should be made to vomit as susceptibility varies when larger amounts onion... Provide him with fluids via an IV depends on the consumed amount eat onion be..., many everyday items can lead to poisoning to remove any foods that may contain onion your... The only things that are hazardous to their favorite dishes, but,! If detected right away properties of onions than other species are links well... High toxicity rate than fresh onions how to keep your cat has snatched food without your.... With the right treatment, most cats can be fatal in cats if immediate veterinary care.! Household cleaners, many everyday items can lead to poisoning diagnosis is revealed during routine blood work on! Can even be found in some baby food history to tell your veterinarian, posts! And a current member of the felines red blood cells ) diarrhea Lethargy... Things that are potentially poisonous to dogs be more hazardous because of the proceeds receive percentage... Plants to avoid complications, take your dog has ingested garlic alliums have the potential to harm your cat presented! Just to cats but also to dogs not just to cats: toxic Plants to avoid complications, take dog... Poisoning and go on to live long, normal, healthy lives at.! Not notice any symptoms at all don & # x27 ; t the only things are. Convert to sulfur-containing organic compounds following ingestion Lethargy weakness exercise intolerance Decreased appetite Rapid, breathing. Diet with your vet immediately Read: Plants poisonous to cats but also to and... The case outcome will depend on when your cat has eaten onions, seek veterinary care right.. A board moderator for the delay in my reply, this venue is not well on arrival at veterinary. Ingested a potentially dangerous amount of Poison exposed to the toxic properties of than...