Is Garlic Good Or Bad For Cats?

[susanandjose]

Hi everyone,

In Anitra Frazier's book The Natural Cat (), she recommends supplementing the raw food diet with garlic for a variety of health reasons -- from fighting viruses to fleas.

However, I'm now reading elsewhere (on the internet) that garlic is bad for cats.

I've been giving my cats garlic in the form of a crushed allicin capsule mixed into their food, and they do not have gastric upset nor do they seem to have anemia (they've been to the vet recently).

Anyone have insights about this? It's very confusing!

 

[susanandjose]

Here is some more context:
Garlic's Many Health Benefits

I guess it's about the dosage?

 

[verna davies]

There is a notice in my vets containing a list of foods NOT to give your cat and garlic is one of them.

 

[abyeb]

I'd avoid it like the plague. It's on the ASPCA's list of poisonous foods for pets, and they specifically mention that it's especially dangerous for cats. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

 

[PushPurrCatPaws]

I'd avoid it too, just like abyeb said.

Pet Poison Helpline
Garlic and Dogs, Garlic and Cats - Is Garlic Bad for Dogs and Cats?

excerpt:

"Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks are in the Allium family, and are poisonous to both dogs and cats if the dose is right. Garlic is considered to be about five times as toxic as onions for cats and dogs. ... Onion and garlic poisoning may have a delayed onset, and clinical signs may not be apparent for several days. ..." -more at link-

 

[IndyJones]

Yes do not give garlic or onions to your cat. It can cause poisoning.