are onions harmful to cats?

Answer 1

Q. Are onions toxic to cats?

A. Onions contain a compound which is toxic to the red blood cells of cats. The red blood cells are destroyed and this results in anemia. The specific type of anemia is called 'Heinz body anemia' because the red cells develop an abnormality called a 'Heinz body' which can be seen under the microscope.
In the past, when a cat would not eat, baby foods were sometimes used to coax the cat to eat. Unfortunately, the baby foods contained onion powder, and some cats developed Heinz body anemia from eating the onion-containing baby food. Caution should be used in feeding 'human' food to cats because it may contain ingredients that cats cannot tolerate, such as onion.

Garlic contains a compound similar to the one in onions that causes Heinz body anemia, however, the garlic compound is much less toxic.

Good luck!
G.G.

Answer 2

Onions are toxic to cats and kittens and cause Heinz body anemia.

Onions, Garlic, & Related Root Vegetables

Onions contain a substance (N-propyl disulphide) which destroys red blood cells in the cat, causing a form of anemia called Heinz body anemia. Garlic contains a similar substance in a lesser amount.

Tomatoes, Green (raw Potatoes)

These foods are members of the Solanaceae family of plants, which includes the Deadly Nightshade, and contain a bitter, poisonous alkaloid called Glycoalkaloid Solanine, which can cause violent lower gastrointestinal symptoms. The Feline Future web site offers a rare description of a cat which was close to death from ingesting just one cherry tomato (See the link on the sidebar).

Chocolate

It's becoming more widely known that chocolate is very toxic to both cats and dogs. Theobromine is the offending substance here. Janet Tobiassen Crosby, D.V.M. has an excellent article on the symptoms, effects, and treatment of chocolate toxicity.

Grapes and Raisins

These foods' toxicity has mainly been found in dogs, in quantities of varying amounts. The ASPCA advises: "As there are still many unknowns with the toxic potential of grapes and raisins, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises not giving grapes or raisins to pets in any amount." That's good enough for me.

Milk

Although milk is not toxic to cats, it may have adverse effects. Simply put, adult cats fed a nutritious diet don't need milk, and many cats are lactose-intolerant, which means that the lactose in milk and milk products produces stomach upset, cramps, and gassiness. If your cat loves milk, and begs for it, a small amount of cream may be okay, two or three times a week. (The more fat in the milk, the less lactose.) Another compromise is CatSip, a product made from skim milk with an enzyme added that helps the digestion of lactose. Catsip is available in supermarkets such as Safeway, Albertson's and A&P, as well as pet products chains, such as PetSmart and Petco.

These are the most commonly seen "people foods" that are potentially harmful to cats. The bottom link is to feed your cat nutritious food developed with his needs in mind and choose treats designed for cats instead of table scraps.

Answer 3

Onions contain a substance (N-propyl disulphide) which destroys red blood cells in the cat, causing a form of anemia called Heinz body anemia. Garlic contains a similar substance in a lesser amount.

Other toxic foods consist of:
Tomatoes, Green (raw potatos), Chocolate, Milk, Grapes & Raisins.

Answer 4

I had a cat that ate wild onions sometimes. it seemed like she did it whenever she was upset at her stomach and it would make her throw up. so i asked the vet and he said that they do it naturally and that it wouldn't hurt her in any way.

Answer 5

I don't think so, I used to have a cat that ate them off the floor when I was cooking and happened to drop some. We thought it was pretty funny.

Answer 6

onions are part of the Lilly family, which I believe is toxic to both dogs and cats.

Answer 7

yes is harmful for cats

Answer 8

I haven't really thought of that. I know sometimes when cooking I drop a piece, I sure hope it doesn't hurt them. I have a pom and I think she'll eat just about anything, without permission of course.

Answer 9

cats are not meant to eat vegetables, but if they like to eat it then let them go. A cat knows what it can eat and what it can't. My cat loves vegemite.

Answer 10

yes it is. dont give it to it, but u may if you properly cook it with the meal. although i don reccommend human food form cats. if you want something delicoius for cat i do recommend something microvavable 4 it to eat