Cats are curious creatures, always getting into things they shouldn’t. As a pet owner, it’s important to know what foods are safe for your feline friend and what should be avoided. One food that often comes into question is onions. Many pet owners wonder: “can cats eat onions?” In this blog, onionfacts.com will explore the topic of cats and onions, providing you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your pet’s diet. So, let’s dive in and uncover the truth about cats and onions with some useful facts below!
1. Can Cats Eat Onions?
Can cats eat onions? The answer is NO, but why? Together with garlic, onions belong to the Allium plant family. While many varieties of onions are root vegetables with the onion itself growing underground, certain onions, like scallions, grow their edible sections both underground and above ground. Leeks, chives, and scallions are among the vegetables that are classified as onions.
When cats eat onions, chemical reactions begin in their bodies that affect their red blood cells, or erythrocytes, in various ways. These compounds interact to kill the blood cells, making it impossible for them to carry oxygen to the tissues of the cat. Hemolytic anemia is the end outcome, and a Heinz body, which resembles a blood clot and can worsen the damage and functioning, may also occur. All organs and tissues may experience de-oxygenation-related symptoms. One of them, dehydration, if left untreated, can result in serious sickness and even death.
Outside, cats don’t frequently consume raw onions, making the most frequent cause of onion poisoning in our cats’ diets the consumption of cooked onions in human cuisine. Onions grow sweeter and lose part of their bite when they are cooked. As the cat grooms itself, rubbing their hair on an onion plant or the onion itself may also result in poisoning.
If you are interested in similar topics, you can also refer to the article 6 Best Facts Of Sweet Onion Sauce
2. Can Cats Eat Onions? No, So, How Much Toxic Does Onion Affect To Cat?
A 10-pound cat will become unwell after consuming around one and a half teaspoons of the poisonous food (25 grams), which is equal to 0.5% of their total weight. However, even very little quantities of onion can induce onion poisoning in a susceptible purr baby. If an onion, its juice, or its leaves and stem are consumed, Japanese breeds are frequently more prone to hemolytic alterations. Even a small amount can cause symptoms in cats, even kittens and elderly cats.
A cat may develop severe symptoms, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, blood in the urine and faeces, and an aversion to exercise, if they consume a lot of onions at once or over a few days. There could eventually be liver and renal damage. Less may result in milder, quicker-acting effects.
A cat may be more susceptible to the effects of onions in their body that might lead to methemoglobinemia, which prevents oxygen from reaching the body’s tissues due to medications including acetaminophen, some antibiotics, and some human supplements.
Onion powder and dried onion flakes can also be harmful forms of the vegetable. This makes it a good idea to keep these flavor enhancers out of reach of cats. It’s vital to avoid feeding baby food to your cat and to remove old containers and utensils as soon as possible since baby food frequently contains onion flavoring in the form of juice or powder. Pizza leftovers are particularly delectable but hazardous to cats since they may include fresh or dried onions in the sauce or even as a garnish. It’s a good idea to give a cat just cat-specific food and treats and to presume that any human food may include some type of onion.
3. Can Cats Eat Onions? No. But If They’re Do, What Should I do?
The best thing to do if your cat eats an onion is to take it to the vet. To make sure your cat receives the care they require, do the following actions:
- If your cat has food in its mouth, carefully remove it.
- Try to remember when and how much onion your cat consumed; your vet will need to know this information.
- Try not to make yourself vomit.
- Withhold feeding your cat any food or drink.
- Transporting your animal pal to the veterinary office.
Conclusion
In conclusion, can cats eat onions? it is important to recognize that cats should not eat onions. Onions, whether raw, cooked, or in powdered form, contain compounds that can be toxic to cats. These compounds can cause damage to a cat’s red blood cells and lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia. Symptoms of onion toxicity in cats may include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, and decreased appetite.
Therefore, it is crucial to keep onions and onion-containing foods out of reach of cats to ensure their health and well-being. If you suspect your cat has ingested onions, it is advisable to seek veterinary care immediately. Remember, a healthy and balanced diet specifically designed for cats is the best way to keep them happy and thriving.
