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 Chives safe for cats?
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.
Allium schoenoprasumChives
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Clumping, upright
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Cats are the more sensitive species when it comes to Allium plants, and ASPCA lists chives as toxic. The N-propyl disulfide in the leaves damages red blood cells and can produce a delayed hemolytic anemia, which means a cat that seems fine the day of ingestion may still need monitoring for several days.
What to watch for
Early: vomiting, drooling, decreased appetite. Later (hours to days): pale gums, weakness, lethargy, fast heart rate, panting, dark or bloody urine. Anemia signs can be slow to appear and easy to miss.
Time window
ASPCA notes that Heinz body changes can appear within 24 hours of ingestion, but clinical anemia signs may take several days to show. GI signs typically begin within a few hours.
When to call the vet
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.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
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.
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
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
Allium schoenoprasum is a perennial herb in the Amaryllidaceae family, commonly used in culinary applications.
Questions about Chives
Are chives toxic to cats?
Yes, chives are toxic to cats. They belong to the Allium family and contain compounds that cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, which can lead to hemolytic anemia. All parts of the plant are dangerous.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating chives?
Early signs — typically within a few hours — include vomiting, drooling, and decreased appetite. Over the following hours to days, watch for pale gums, weakness, lethargy, an elevated heart rate, panting, and dark or bloody urine. Anemia signs can lag the ingestion by a day or more and are easy to miss.
What should I do if my cat ate chives?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away — even a small ingestion warrants an immediate call. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, since anemia can develop days after the cat ate the plant.
How quickly does chive poisoning cause anemia in cats?
According to ASPCA data, Heinz body changes in red blood cells can appear within 24 hours of ingestion, but clinical anemia signs — pale gums, weakness, rapid heart rate — may take several days to become visible. GI upset typically starts within a few hours and is often the first warning sign.
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