What should I do if my cat ate Chives?

Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) right away if any chive material was eaten — even small ingestions warrant a call in cats. Do not wait for anemia signs, since they can lag the ingestion by a day or more.

What should I do if my dog ate Chives?

Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if your dog ate any meaningful amount, especially small dogs. Don't wait for anemia signs — clinical anemia can lag the ingestion by a day or more.

Chives — (c) Pohled 111, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) — Photo by (c) Pohled 111, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)iNaturalistCC BY-SA

Photo by (c) Pohled 111, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)iNaturalistCC BY-SA

Pet safety reference

Chives

Q: Is Chives safe for cats?

Chives is potentially toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, potentially leading to hemolytic anemia. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed chives.

Q: Is Chives safe for dogs?

Chives is potentially toxic to dogs. The N-propyl disulfide in chives can cause damage to red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Seek veterinary care if your dog has ingested this plant.

Allium schoenoprasum

Chives are a popular culinary herb in 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 more serious systemic issues.

Check a list

Allium schoenoprasumChives

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Clumping, upright
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted 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

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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, potentially leading to hemolytic anemia. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed chives.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.

Escalation note

The N-propyl disulfide in chives can cause damage to red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Seek veterinary care if your dog has ingested this plant.

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

Open source

Chives are listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of N-propyl disulfide.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Allium schoenoprasum is a perennial herb in the Amaryllidaceae family, commonly used in culinary applications.

cats safety page My cat ate Chives dogs safety page My dog ate Chives

Often compared with

Commonly confused with

Same Allium genus.

Onion

Allium cepa

The onion is a bulbous vegetable widely used in cooking that contains compounds capable of damaging red blood cells in pets. Ingestion of any part of the plant, including the bulb, can lead to serious health complications.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Same safety verdict

Other plants with the same verdict

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Philodendron

Philodendron spp.

Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum

The Mauna Loa Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white spathes and lush foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.

Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.