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

My senior cat licked a bit of a supplement powder that lists shallot extract. Is this an emergency?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

Yes, this is an emergency because shallots are highly toxic to cats. Allium poisoning can cause severe anemia, and even a small amount from an extract is dangerous. Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line at 888-426-4435 immediately, and bring the supplement container with you.

Shallot — Food safety facts

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

Allium toxicity — more concentrated than onion. Keep them out of reach.

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

Shallot 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 Shallot food facts page.

Open the full food page: Shallot food facts →