Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My cat ate Leek - what should I do?
Allium ampeloprasum
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, and elevated heart rate.
Escalation note
Ingestion can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
First aid at home
Remove access to any remaining leek and note approximately how much was eaten and when. Do not induce vomiting at home — your vet or poison control will decide whether decontamination is appropriate.
What to watch for
Early signs are GI: vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The dangerous later signs are anemia: pale gums, weakness, lethargy, fast heart rate, fast breathing, exercise intolerance, and red or brown urine.
Time window
GI signs can appear within hours. Anemia from red-blood-cell damage is often delayed and may not be apparent for several days after ingestion, so a follow-up bloodwork check is typical.
When to call the vet
Call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately for any known ingestion of leek (raw, cooked, or in seasoned food). Do not wait for symptoms — anemia can develop after the GI signs have already passed.
What this means for your cat
Cats: leeks are seriously toxic to cats. The toxic principle is N-propyl disulfide, which damages feline red blood cells and can cause Heinz body hemolytic anemia. Cats are more sensitive to allium toxicity than dogs, so even small amounts in leftovers, soups, or baby food can be a problem.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.