Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 3.5kg indoor cat licked a pinch of garlic powder from a spice jar 20 minutes ago and is now drooling, should I call the vet?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

Yes, a lick of garlic powder can be toxic to a cat and you need veterinary help now. Garlic powder is a concentrated allium, and even a tiny amount can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells in cats. Your 3.5kg cat has already shown drooling, which can be an early sign of gastrointestinal irritation. Do not try to induce vomiting; instead, keep the cat calm, remove any remaining powder, and bring the original spice jar so the vet knows the exact product. Call your regular vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888‑426‑4435 right away for instructions.

Garlic powder — Food safety facts

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

Concentrated allium — far more dangerous gram for gram than fresh garlic.

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

Garlic powder 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.

Garlic powder has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the litter box and how quickly they finish the next meal.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Garlic powder food facts page.

Open the full food page: Garlic powder food facts →