If you include salad in your lunch, you likely won’t neglect adding onions. Onions are a main part of the Allium family, which has a rich history dating back to the beginning of the world. Not only that, but “cooking” also seems incomplete without onions.
There are many vegetables that are safe, while some are harmful, which leads us to the question: “Can cats eat onions?” In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about cats and onions.
Can Cats Eat Onions?
No, cats cannot eat onions, and you should always try to keep your cat away from them. You might be wondering if this is true for all types of onions—yes, it is true for all types, some of which are listed below:
- Sweet onions
- Leeks
- Green onions
- Yellow onions
- Red or purple onions
- Shallots
- Pearl onions
- Chives
- White onions
- Onion powder
It’s best to keep your cat away from any dishes that contain onions, no matter the amount—even 0.01 grams of onion can be harmful to your cat. Below are some common foods that often contain onions and should be avoided: Learn About chocolate and cat toxic relation
- Ketchup
- Pickle brine
- Tomato sauce
- Pizza
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Are Onions Bad for Cats?
Yes, onions are bad for cats due to an oxidizing agent called N-propyl disulfide. This compound can cause serious health issues for your cat, including death. It is present in all forms of onions, whether raw, cooked, or in powder form.
When cats ingest onion, N-propyl disulfide affects their bodies by breaking down red blood cells, which can lead to a condition known as Heinz body hemolytic anemia. Read can cats drink milk
Red blood cells are responsible for delivering oxygen to the entire body. When cats eat onions, the production of red blood cells decreases, while the rate of destruction increases, leading to breathing problems and even death. Read Also can cats see colors
Onions also contain oils and other organosulfur compounds that can cause nausea and abdominal pain.
How Much Onion Is Too Much for Cats?
According to Barri J. Morrison, DVM, even a small amount of onion can create problems for your cat, making a visit to the vet necessary. For an 8-pound cat, as little as 5 grams of onion per kilogram of body weight is toxic, meaning a total of around 40 grams can cause onion toxicity. know about can cats eat peas
In the USA (United States of America), people often use onion powder, which is more dangerous than raw or cooked onion, so it’s important to avoid it more intentionally. kale is safe or not for cats
If your 8-pound cat eats more than 40 grams of onion, it could lead to kidney or liver damage.
Symptoms of Onion Poisoning in Cats
If your cat eats onion at 8:00 a.m., you may start to see symptoms within a few hours, such as vomiting, nausea, drooling, and diarrhea. After some time, your cat may stop eating and become dehydrated.
Onion toxicity attacks red blood cells, and a deficiency in red blood cells can lead to anemia. Anemia is life-threatening if not treated promptly and properly. Signs of anemia include:
- Disorientation
- Fainting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Weakness
- Tremors or seizures
- Dark-colored feces
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums
- Increased heart rate
- Skin sensitivity
- Abdominal pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Lethargy
My Cat Ate Onion – What Do I Do?
First, you must prevent your cat from eating more onion. Remove any remaining onion from their reach and try to clean their mouth to prevent them from ingesting more. Note the time and, if possible, the amount of onion they have ingested.
After one or two hours, your cat may start to vomit and experience diarrhea. Contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for immediate assistance. Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home.
Note: Do not delay, as onion ingestion can lead to serious problems with red blood cell production and can be life-threatening.
Treating Onion Poisoning in Cats
If your cat has consumed onions, immediate action is crucial. First, your vet may induce vomiting if it’s within a few hours of ingestion to clear the onion from the stomach. This step helps minimize the toxin’s impact.
To prevent further absorption, the vet might administer activated charcoal. This binds to the toxins, helping to expel them from your cat’s system. Alongside this, supportive care such as intravenous fluids may be given to maintain hydration and balance electrolytes. Read can cats eat carrots
During treatment, the vet will closely monitor your cat’s condition. This includes watching for signs of anemia or other complications that could arise from onion toxicity. In severe cases, blood transfusions might be necessary to manage significant anemia.
To diagnose the extent of the poisoning, several tests will be performed. Blood tests are crucial to check red blood cell count and other indicators of anemia. A urinalysis may also be conducted to detect any changes in urine color that suggest hemolysis. These tests help the vet determine the best course of treatment and monitor your cat’s recovery.
How long does onion toxicity last? (Expert Views)
· According to Katie, symptoms of onion toxicity can last for several days, with recovery typically taking 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the severity and treatment. Read Also Is banana safe for cat
· Dr. Barri J. Morrison notes that the duration of onion toxicity can vary, but symptoms may persist for a week or longer. The severity depends on the amount ingested and how quickly treatment is administered. Read can a dog get a cat pregnant
· Dr. Joanna Woodnutt BVM BVS (Veterinarian) indicates that onion toxicity symptoms can last from several days to weeks. Recovery time will depend on how quickly the cat receives treatment and the extent of the toxicity.
· Leslie Ingraham states that onion toxicity symptoms might last for several days, and recovery can take up to a week or longer, depending on the amount ingested and the cat’s response to treatment.
Other Dangerous Allium Family Members for Cats
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Chives
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