Why?
Chives are alliums, like onion, garlic and leeks. Their sulfur compounds oxidize a cat's red blood cells, which form Heinz bodies and are destroyed, causing hemolytic anemia. People assume chives are harmless because they're thin and used sparingly, but a cat that regularly nibbles a pot on the windowsill or balcony can eat enough to be poisoned.
How much?
No amount is safe. Chives turn up in herbed cream cheese, sour cream dips, omelets, sauces, salads and dried herb blends, and keep potted chives well out of reach.
The risks
- Hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells)
- Pale gums, weakness, fatigue
- Dark or reddish urine
- Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Symptoms that can appear several days later
Your cat ate some: what now?
Call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, even if your cat only nibbled a few blades and seems fine: anemia can appear several days later. Don't make your cat vomit yourself. Note roughly how much it ate and when.
Better options
If your cat likes nibbling plants, offer a pot of cat grass (barley, wheat or oats) or catnip, and keep onion-family herbs out of reach.
Common questions
My cat ate chives from my garden, what should I do?
Call your vet, even if your cat only ate a few blades and seems fine. They may suggest monitoring and possibly a blood test over the following days, since anemia can show up late.
Are green onions and scallions toxic to cats too?
Yes. Green onions, scallions and spring onions are alliums just like chives, and both the white and green parts are toxic to cats.
This information is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If your cat has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, without waiting for symptoms.