can cats eat onions

Cats should not eat onions under any circumstances. Onions, including raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated forms, are toxic to cats because they contain compounds in the Allium family that cause damage to cats' red blood cells. This damage can lead to serious health issues like anemia, vomiting, lethargy, pale gums, and even organ damage. Even a small amount of onion or onion powder can be dangerous, and symptoms may not appear immediately. If a cat eats onions, immediate veterinary attention is necessary to prevent severe complications or death. This toxicity extends to all onion varieties, including green onions, shallots, chives, and leeks, and cooking does not reduce the danger.