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

Why

VCA lists leeks with onions, garlic and chives among the foods to avoid for pets, because Allium plants can damage red blood cells.

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
Chives	Toxic	No. Chives are an Allium, like onions and garlic.
Garlic	Toxic	No. Garlic is in the onion family and is toxic to 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 leeks safe for cats?

No. Leeks are in the onion family and should be kept away from cats.

What should I do if my cat ate leeks?

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.