What is Garlic Poisoning?
Feeding garlic in a large quantity or over a period of time can be harmful to your cat. The chemicals in garlic enter your cat’s bloodstream and begin to rupture red blood cells, which will quickly lead to hemolytic anemia, a very dangerous condition. Some of the symptoms you may observe include vomiting, breathing difficulties, diarrhea, and pale gums.
The longer you wait to get your cat medical help, the more serious his condition becomes. If you see any of the symptoms of garlic poisoning, take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent potentially fatal complications.
Garlic, a member of the Allium family, is commonly used to add flavor to our favorite foods. Some cat owners give their cats garlic because it is believed to have medicinal benefits, including the prevention of heart disease and fleas. However, garlic is toxic to cats, so it should never be included in their diet.
Garlic Poisoning Average Cost
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Average Cost
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Symptoms of Garlic Poisoning in Cats
Garlic poisoning symptoms may not begin right away. In fact, it often takes between two to four days following consumption for the symptoms to appear, which can make diagnosing this condition very difficult for cat owners and vets. Some of the symptoms you may observe include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased respiratory rate
- Increased heart rate
- Pale gums
- Collapse
Causes of Garlic Poisoning in Cats
Garlic poisoning is caused by garlic ingestion. The amount of garlic that it takes to poison your cat will vary depending on your cat’s weight, health, and type of breed. In most cases, a single clove of garlic is all it takes to poison a cat. Cats are more susceptible to garlic poisoning than dogs.
After garlic is consumed, it begins to damage the red blood cells, which makes them more likely to burst, eventually leading to hemolytic anemia.
Diagnosis of Garlic Poisoning in Cats
If you spot any of the symptoms of garlic poisoning, bring your cat into a veterinarian for treatment immediately. Describe the symptoms you have observed, when they began, and any changes to your cat’s diet.
The vet will begin by performing a series of tests, including a complete blood count, urinalysis, and blood chemistry profile. The results of these tests will help the vet determine your cat is suffering from low levels of red blood cells. The vet should be able to spot Heinz bodies, which occur when the cat is suffering from hemolytic anemia, in a blood sample.
However, there are a number of causes of hemolytic anemia, so the vet cannot determine your cat has garlic poisoning just from the presence of Heinz bodies alone. In many cases, the diagnosis is made based on the presence of Heinz bodies and the information provided by the cat owner. That’s why it’s so important to be as detailed as possible when talking to your vet about your cat’s condition.
Treatment of Garlic Poisoning in Cats
Treatment will vary depending on when your cat consumed the garlic. If the garlic was recently consumed, the vet will begin to induce vomiting by orally administering a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. This will remove all of the garlic from your cat’s stomach that has not been digested and prevent your cat’s condition from worsening. A gastric lavage, which is the medical term for stomach wash, may also be performed to ensure all toxins have been washed out of the stomach.
The vet may need to administer activated charcoal as well. Activated charcoal absorbs toxins so they do not get the chance to enter your cat’s bloodstream and cause further damage.
The vet will need to monitor your cat’s condition to determine whether he needs supportive care such as IV fluids or oxygen therapy. It is common for cats with garlic poisoning to need IV fluids to prevent dehydration because of the vomiting and diarrhea this condition causes.
If you used a spray or homeopathic product with garlic on your cat’s skin, the vet will need to thoroughly bathe the cat to remove any lingering toxins.
Although it is rare, if your cat’s condition is severe, and he has already lost a lot of red blood cells, he may need a complete blood transfusion in order to survive.
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Recovery of Garlic Poisoning in Cats
In mild or moderate cases of garlic poisoning, recovery rates are high, however cats with severe cases of garlic poisoning may suffer complications.
The vet may keep your cat after treatment to ensure his condition is stable before releasing him to you. Once he has been released, talk to your vet about at-home care while your cat recovers. First and foremost, it is important to remove any garlic from your cat’s diet and stick to vet-approved cat foods. Check all of the products you use—including any homeopathic flea or skin treatments—to ensure garlic is not included.
If you use garlic in your cooking, be sure to keep it in an area where your cats cannot reach it.
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Garlic Poisoning Average Cost
From 211 quotes ranging from $1,500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Top
Garlic Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Sphynx
3 months
78 found this helpful
78 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
My kitten licked my plate at dinner and my dinner was seasoned with garlic. He just threw up. Should I take him to the emergency vet?
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
78 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If your kitten just had the one episode of vomiting, he may be fine to continue to monitor him. If he is vomiting repeatedly, and it would be best for him to see a veterinarian, yes. I hope that all goes well and he feels okay.
Oct. 1, 2020
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dansell1114@gmail.com
4-5 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dansell1114@Gmail.Com
My cat may have injested my food with some garlic in it. Eggs about the size of a nickel
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If your pet is still having problems, it would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian, as they will be able to examine them, see what might be going on, and get any treatment needed.
Oct. 24, 2020
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Bombay Cat
Six Years
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Stool
I think my cat may have eaten some pistachio nuts (no shells) that are flavored with chili and garlic powder.
Last night and today he had been constantly going to the bathroom - both poop and pee. He has been eating and drinking but he seems a little sluggish. His stools have been solid and he has not been vomiting.
Is this something that will get better over time once he passed it? Or should I seek attention from a vet?
Aug. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
13 Recommendations
Hello, Pistachios are not toxic to cat but the garlic can be. Also, the chili flavor may also cause an upset stomach. If she continues to not feel good it would be best to see your vet.
Aug. 19, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Bombay Cat
Six Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Stool
I think my cat may have eaten some pistachio nuts (no shells) that are flavored with chili and garlic powder.
Last night and today he had been constantly going to the bathroom - both poop and pee. He has been eating and drinking but he seems a little sluggish. His stools have been solid and he has not been vomiting.
Is this something that will get better over time once he passed it? Or should I seek attention from a vet?
Aug. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hello, Pistachios are not toxic to cat but the garlic can be. Also, the chili flavor may also cause an upset stomach. If she continues to not feel good it would be best to see your vet.
Aug. 19, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Bombay Cat
Six Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Excessive Stool
I think my cat may have eaten some pistachio nuts (no shells) that are flavored with chili and garlic powder.
Last night and today he had been constantly going to the bathroom - both poop and pee. He has been eating and drinking but he seems a little sluggish. His stools have been solid and he has not been vomiting.
Is this something that will get better over time once he passed it? Or should I seek attention from a vet?
Aug. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
6 Recommendations
Hello, Pistachios are not toxic to cat but the garlic can be. Also, the chili flavor may also cause an upset stomach. If she continues to not feel good it would be best to see your vet.
Aug. 19, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
short hair
astro
9 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nothing
our cat got what we think is a bee sting on his paw, we tried to remove it, but we're unsure if he did or not. Our friend thought it would be a good idea to rub some garlic on the paw, we did , and he started to lick it for maybe 1-3 minutes. So far he hasn't had any reactions of either ( bee sting or garlic toxicity) , we're very scared. What should we do ? If he does experience vomiting and diarrhea, at what point should we then take him to the vet, is there anything we can do to have detox the garlic at home ?
domestic medium hair
Zeke
4 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic
Bile
Pale Gums,
My cat ate a little cooked chicken breast boiled in onion and garlic yesterday. This morning he is lethargic. He is able to walk and follow me around but not being playful...mostly he is sleeping. He didn’t ask for food this morning, isn’t meowing or purring and has had a couple bile throw ups. His gums are pale.
stray
Stray kitten
12 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Idea
I have a caravan at a park I visit on weekends, I’ve seen lots of feral cats around, last night I made 4 salmon and chicken patties for myself, went away and came back to find a small kitten had come in eating one, it bolted when it saw me, I left out water and cooked chicken, it came back in half an hour an ate that. There was about a teaspoon of garlic in these 4 patties, so it would have injected some. As it’s a stray and I’m leaving today I’m wondering if there’s something I can leave out in case it gets sick? I’ll leave some water, should I leave anything else?
Garlic Poisoning Average Cost
From 211 quotes ranging from $1,500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
