Can cats eat garlic?

Cats should not eat garlic. This is because garlic has a strong irritating effect. If cats consume it, it may stimulate their respiratory and digestive tracts, causing adverse reactions. Moreover, if they eat too much, it may even lead to garlic poisoning and pose a threat to their lives. Therefore, spicy foods such as garlic, onions, and leeks should never be given to cats. If cats accidentally eat these foods, it is necessary to take them to a pet hospital for inspection and treatment.

Some consequences of feeding garlic to cats:

Garlic contains disulfides, which can be harmful to red blood cells if consumed in large amounts. This can cause the cells to rupture, leading to anemia in cats. Symptoms may include pale gums, lethargy, blood in urine, increased respiratory rate, and even life-threatening conditions.
Garlic is a spicy seasoning food that stimulates the gastrointestinal tract of cats, causing them to vomit, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeding.
Cats have very sensitive senses of smell, and garlic has a strong aroma. When cats smell garlic, they may produce a resistance response, which can affect their sense of smell and appetite.

Therefore, for the health of cats, it is recommended that owners keep spicy seasonings such as garlic and onions away from them to avoid accidental consumption.