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

My 10kg cat ate a treat labelled 'with shallot extract'. Is this safe?

Cats · Food safety

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

Short answer

No, this is not safe. Shallots are toxic to cats, and even small amounts in treats or supplements can cause serious damage to their red blood cells. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 immediately for advice. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

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.

Shallot 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 Shallot food facts page.

Open the full food page: Shallot food facts →