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My 4 kg cat ate a tablespoon of chopped leeks from my cutting board. Is this amount dangerous?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, a tablespoon of chopped leeks is a dangerous amount for a cat. Leeks, like onions and garlic, contain compounds that damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. There is no safe amount for cats, and even small ingestions can be harmful, especially for a smaller pet. Signs like weakness, pale gums, and lethargy may take a day or two to appear. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately for guidance.

Leek & chives — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Toxic, same family as onion and garlic. Causes red blood cell damage and anemia.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Leek & chives should not be given to cats at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Garlic and onion damage a pet's red blood cells and can bring on anaemia. Signs are often delayed for several days, so looking fine straight afterwards does not rule it out.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Leek & chives food facts page.

Open the full food page: Leek & chives food facts →