Can Cats Eat Leeks?

Leeks are a very popular vegetable we usually use in soups and stews. It’s definitely a nutritious and healthy vegetable for humans… But what about cats? Can cats eat leeks?

Can cats eat leeks?

No, cats cannot eat leeks. Leeks are members of the Allium family, which is toxic to our feline friends.

Cats are among the species that are poisoned by organosulfates. N-propyl disulfide, found in leeks, damages the oxygen-carrying substance found in red blood cells, called hemoglobin. This damage causes hemolysis by rupturing the hemoglobin, which can lead to anemia. Anemia causes reduced oxygen delivery around the body, and can be life-threatening if not treated.

What are the signs of toxicity?

The severity of leek poisoning symptoms will vary depending on the quantity of leek ingested. It will also depend on the individual factors of the cat, like size, age and medical history.

It’s important to keep in mind that a few days can pass between your cat eating leeks and developing symptoms. These are the most common signs reported:

• Drooling and bad breath
• Loss of appetite and nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Elevated heart rate and respiratory rate
• Reddish or brown urine
• Exercise intolerance
• Tremors and weakness

What to do if my cat ate leeks?

Studies have proven that eating just around 0.5% of a pet’s body weight in vegetables of the allium family can be enough to cause some kind of problem.

With that said, it’s always a good idea to call your vet for advice if you know your cat has eaten any leek. The vet will ask questions regarding how much and how long ago did the cat ingest it, and will evaluate the situation individually. It’s essential to follow the vet’s advice.

Luckily, most cases of leek poisoning tend to be mild. However, it’s important to remember that cats can die from allium poisoning, so early diagnosis can save your cat from unnecessary suffering and risks.

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