can cats eat green onions?

Our cats are quite selective animals that do not eat anything they have within their reach nor do we generally offer them. However, they can ingest foods for human consumption that are toxic to their bodies due to certain compounds in their composition. 

Some of these foods are grapes, raisins, chocolate, citrus fruits, the seeds of some seeds, garlic and onions, among others. Some foods are more dangerous than others and the severity will depend on the amount of the food in question ingested. Onion is one of the most toxic foods in cats, because it contains substances that act on feline red blood cells, destroying them and producing hemolytic anemia.

If you are wondering if cats can eat onions? In this article we will explain the explanation for onion poisoning in cats, so continue reading if you want to know what the toxic compounds in onions are in cats, the symptoms of poisoning, and how to act if your cat has ingested onion. When it comes to the safety of catnip, this article provides a detailed overview. Learn about the effects of catnip on cats and how to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for your pet when introducing this herb.

Is onion toxic to cats?

Yes, onion is toxic to cats. The onion or Allium cepa is a biennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Allium genus and the Amaryllidaceae family. Other vegetables such as garlic, leeks or chives are also included in this genus. It is a very ancient plant, existing since the Sumerians in the year 6000 BC and whose origin is established in Pakistan and Iran.

Onion is a low-calorie vegetable that contains a lot of fiber and high amounts of calcium, potassium and vitamins. Its quercetin content stands out for its value as an antioxidant and its rich amounts of sulfur. However, it also has toxic substances which are disulfide alkaloids, which target the red blood cells of cats. Specifically, what they do is:

• Decrease the activity of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which is responsible for preventing the oxidation of red blood cells.
• Due to this, the antioxidant defenses of red blood cells are reduced and destroyed, forming Heinz bodies and leading to hemolytic anemia (anemia due to rupture or destruction of red blood cells). Do not hesitate to take a look at these other articles on Anemia in cats: symptoms and treatment or Types of anemia in cats to learn more about the subject.

How much onion can a cat eat?

Our cats cannot eat onion, not even a small piece due to the reduced safety margin since only 5 grams per kg of weight is enough for our cat’s red blood cells to begin to suffer the consequences of oxidation and be destroyed. , reducing the hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells in total blood) of our cats and causing clinical signs to appear that can compromise the life of our small feline.

Taking this into account, smaller cats or those that weigh less are at greater risk of poisoning than a large and heavier cat, but that cannot under any circumstances be a reason for confidence when offering them onions.

Furthermore, it does not matter if the onion is cooked or given raw, these alkaloids are not denatured or inactivated by cooking, which is why we should never give onions to our cats, or any food that contains it as an ingredient.

Symptoms of onion poisoning

The symptoms caused by onion poisoning in cats are those derived from anemia due to a reduction in the number of red blood cells or hemolytic anemia due to their destruction. By reducing the number of red blood cells, our cats will be weak because these are responsible for transmitting oxygen through hemoglobin, so clinical signs such as the following will appear:

• Increased heart rate or tachycardia
• Increased respiratory rate or tachypnea
• Weakness
• Hibernation
• Shortness of breath or dyspnea
• Exercise intolerance
• Pale mucous membranes or yellowing of the mucous membranes ( jaundice )
• Dark colored urine

In addition, the consumption of onion in cats can also lead to digestive signs such as:

• Loss of appetite or anorexia
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

What to do if my cat has eaten onion?

If your cat has ingested onion you must act quickly and, although the poisoning takes time to give rise to clinical signs, your cat’s body will be beginning to destroy red blood cells. For this reason, do not trust yourself and go to your veterinary center, since it is essential that gastric emptying or induction of vomiting be performed, as well as the use of substances that absorb or neutralize toxins such as activated charcoal.

If we take the cat to the veterinarian too late when the symptoms of poisoning have already been established, blood and urine tests will be necessary in order to detect the severity of the condition and in some cases, a blood transfusion will also be necessary, as well as fluid therapy. and medications to control digestive signs if any.

How to recognize if the onion is harmful to cats?

Cats should never eat raw or cooked onions, as they can have harmful effects on the health of their digestive systems. Onion contains a high amount of certain chemicals that can cause gastrointestinal disorders and anemia problems, particularly if the onion is raw or freshly boiled. Other ingredients that should be avoided daily in your cat’s diet are garlic, shallots, leeks, and horseradish, as they all contain the same toxins found in onion.

If your cat occasionally chews on a fresh leaf of summer fennel grass, you don’t need to worry too much; However, if your cat eats a good amount of fresh fennel herbs regularly he may begin to suffer the negative effects of the bactericidal chemical eirubine contained in fennel herbs.

To recognize if your home planters contain any type of onion that is dangerous for cats in your home you will need to do a little research on the genus of the plants you purchased. For example, Calla lilies have bulbous bulbs similar in shape to onions but with a sweeter taste and it is relatively safe for cats to eat small parts of them when you serve them as a condiment on spaghetti.

However, not all botanical species can offer a pleasant, tasty condiment without presenting risks; the Calthrum tulipiferae for example resembles the appearance of the traditional scallop but is even larger and provides a very strong and bitter flavor and is very poisonous for our feline friends, together with its companion plantations for example the Allium porrum known as leek and the White Lisbon on its own known simply as garlic.