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.
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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
Calico
Seven Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fast Breathing Lethargic Pale Gums Shaking
Could this be garlic poisoning?
July 22, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Unfortunately, your kitten would have probably had to eat a lot of garlic over a long period of time to have those signs show from that. I suspect there is something else going on. It would be best to have your kitten seen by a veterinarian right away, as she does sound like she needs help. I hope that everything goes well for her.
July 22, 2020
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Tabby
Thirteen Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
My cat ate a small amount of tomato sauce off my plate after I had pizza. Since then his breathing has been labored as if he needs to throw up but can’t. He’s also been sneezing.
July 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm not sure that the breathing that you are describing would be related to the tomato sauce, but it does sound like he is having problems.
If that behavior and breathing continues, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine him, listen to his heart and lungs, and see what might be going on.
I hope that he is okay!
July 9, 2020
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Siamese mix
Leo
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Unknown As Of Now
This morning I noticed four cloves of garlic disappeared off the counter overnight. I looked around quickly but didn't see them and didn't have time to look any farther. My cat likes to play with things and throw them around but I didn't know garlic could poison cats until I left for work, so I didn't check for any symptoms, he was sitting in his usual place under the couch when I left. The cloves were all still wrapped in the natural paper-y covering when he took them. I won't be able to go check on him for seven more hours but should I be concerned? Do cats tend to enjoy ingesting large amounts of garlic? I read elsewhere that the scent usually repels them.
Sept. 11, 2018
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tabby
Sweet Pea
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Sneezing
Pale Gums
We noticed fleas and then tapeworms on our cat. Several home remedies suggested apple cider vinegar in her water and garlic powder on her food. Bad call on the garlic. After almost two weeks of treatment, she has been vomiting, has pale gums and has been sneezing a bit. We have ordered some activated charcoal and it will be here in two days, but what can I do for her until then, short of going to a vet because we simply do not have the funds for a vet visit.
Sept. 4, 2018
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Unknown
Ommin an Evander
5 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None As Of Yet
My two 5 month old cats got into my bilatong (beef jerky) an it was of the garlic kind they manage to get a pea size amount each... After reading all the helpful suggestions and phoning the vet I know what to look out for but how long should I keep up the "watching"? Hours, days, weeks?
Sept. 4, 2018
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mixed
Feral cats
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Seen Any Yet
Two medium sized cloves of garlic minced in with cooked mince meat, carrots, chopped green beans (all small amount) and rice & chicken stock n water - to feed 23 feral cats - including 7 or 8 kittens (2 of 5 months old approx) yesterday evening. Garlic addition was to ward off fleas :-(. They are ok this morning... very very scared I have poisoned them ... Any advice grateful
long hair
Bleu
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
My cat had a small piece of deli cold cuts - a piece of London broil - yesterday during lunch and today around 5 pm he threw up. I looked at the ingredients and it says its coated in dried garlic and dried onion. Should I be concerned? I'm unsure if the piece he ate had the "toppings/seasonings" or not. He's eating and drinking fine. In fact, he's begging for human food as usual. I just don't want to overlook this if I should be concerned.
Garlic Poisoning Average Cost
From 211 quotes ranging from $1,500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
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