Why Onions Are Dangerous For Cats

There are some human foods that your cat may enjoy – in fact, there are many foods they would enjoy that aren’t healthy or safe for them. Uncooked foods, chocolate, alcohol, and others top that list, but have you ever wondered whether (and why) onions are dangerous for cats?

There are a myriad of reasons, and we share some here so you can keep your furbabies safe and protected. Give your cat healthy and delicious treats like our Crunchie Munchie treats.

Why Onions Are Dangerous For Cats
There are many foods that are indigestible for our cats and onions are one. Onions contain thiosulphate – a harmful substance if your pets ingest them because their bodies are unable to break that chemical down.

Thiosulphate, if ingested, attacks your cat’s red blood cells and can lead to hemolytic anemia.

Another harmful compound onions contain is organosulfur – a poison that their digestive track absorbs. If your cats are eating onions on a regular basis, the toxicity builds up and the harm accumulates and could lead to the loss of your pet’s life.

All onions are toxic for your cat.

Don’t assume that if they are fully cooked, or raw, or fresh from the garden, or in an onion powder, paste, or salt that it is healthy – it’s not – no matter the form.

Even baby foods contain trace amounts of onion extracts as a flavoring and this can cause your pet harm.

Keep your onions in the vegetable drawer in your refrigerator or in a closed cupboard. Keep the temptation away and don’t put onions in a hanging basket.

How can you tell if your cat has eaten any – or too many – onions?
After you have ruled out other potential toxic substances, here are signs that your pet has eaten onions:

1. Pale gums
2. Urine that is tinted red
3. Vomiting (pieces of onion or onion skin are a giveaway)
4. Loss of appetite
5. Fainting
6. A mood shift in your pet
7. Elevated heart rate
8. Decreased appetite
9. Lethargy
10. Panting
11. Weakness

If your cat eats onions then vomits, that may help rid the body of the harmful effects, but you still will want to call your veterinarian to ensure your pet’s body isn’t still retaining the harmful toxins.

We know that accidents do happen and if you notice your pet has gotten into the onions in the house or outdoors in the garden, call your veterinarian immediately. Let your vet know how many onions your pet has eaten – if it’s possible to tell. Also, let your vet know what, if any symptoms your cat is exhibiting.

The long-term consumption of onions will have worse impacts on your pet’s overall health than will a sudden gobbling down of onions. Long term exposure to onions can lead to:

1. Skin conditions
2. Allergic reactions
3. Diarrhea
4. Liver damage
5. Asthma attacks

The length of time your pet has been eating onions may lead to irreparable and irreversible damage.

Unfortunately, there are no known “cures” for onion toxicity in cats. The best thing a loving pet parent can do is to ensure no onions are left out where your pet could come in contact with them. That also means don’t leave any table scraps where your dog will be tempted by them.

June 27th may be National Onion Day and that may be cause for celebration for the humans, but never let your pet near them! Give your cats some Meowijuana to enjoy while you enjoy your onions.

Article by pet parent Robbi Hess who shares her life with high-energy poodles and three kitties.