Can Cats Eat Chives? No, It's Toxic: What to Do

Why

Chives can cause stomach irritation and damage to red blood cells. The ASPCA lists them with onions and garlic and notes cats are more susceptible.

Safer swaps from the same group: carrots, cucumbers, green beans.

Note how much your cat ate and when, and keep any packaging.
Call your vet, an emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control ((888) 426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
Don't make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Food	Verdict	Short answer
Garlic	Toxic	No. Garlic is in the onion family and is toxic to cats.
Leeks	Toxic	No. Leeks are in the onion family and should be kept away from cats.
Onions	Toxic	No. Onions damage cats' red blood cells and can cause anemia.
Carrots	Safe	Yes, cooked and cut small. Carrots are one of the vegetables vets list as a safe treat.
Cucumbers	Safe	Yes. A few small pieces of washed cucumber are a safe, watery treat.
Green beans	Safe	Yes. Plain green beans are on the vet list of safe vegetable treats.

Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
Keep all treats under 10% of your cat's daily calories . The rest should come from a complete cat food.
Check labels for onion and garlic powder, which turn up in stock, gravy, baby food and seasoned meat.
If your cat has a health condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease or a sensitive stomach, ask your vet before adding any new food.

Are chives safe for cats?

No. Chives are an Allium, like onions and garlic.

What should I do if my cat ate chives?

Call your vet, an emergency clinic, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away. Note how much your cat ate and when.

Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.