Can Cats Eat Chives?

No, cats cannot eat chives because they are poisonous for them.

Chives are flowering plants from the Allium genus, which belong to the same group as garlic and onions. Their scapes and leaves are used as a flavouring herb either in fresh, cut, dried, or ground forms. Even the flowers of chives are edible, and are commonly used in salads.

Similar to garlic and onions, chives are known for having a toxic effect on cats and even dogs. According to the ASPCA, the N-propyl disulfide found in chives may cause symptoms such as “vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, and panting.” ASPCA adds that cats are more susceptible to gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage than dogs, but both are at risk depending on how much chives are consumed.

What to do if your cat accidentally eats chives: Contact your veterinarian and inform him of how much chives your cat ate. A tiny amount may not harm her, but nonetheless, keep an eye on your cat over the next few days since this type of poisoning may have a delayed effect. Watch for any changes in her mood, behaviour, as well as eating and litter box habits.

In summary: Keep chives away from your cat at all times. These are dangerous herbs that can cause lasting damage to your feline pet. Because of how it looks and smells, chives may be mistaken as grass or catnip by your cat, so be careful where and how you store the plant. Discover which human foods you can safely feed your pet cat through our “can cats eat” blog category.