Cats
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
cat safety reference
Is Leek safe for cats?
Allium ampeloprasum
Leeks are members of the onion family that contain compounds capable of damaging red blood cells in pets. Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset and potential anemia.
Allium ampeloprasumElephant GarlicLeek
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright herbaceous
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
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.
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.
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.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
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.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Leek is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of N-propyl disulfide.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Allium ampeloprasum is a biennial plant in the Amaryllidaceae family, commonly cultivated for culinary use.
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