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My 9 kg cat with chronic kidney disease ate a small piece of roast chicken that had cloves rubbed into the skin — is that a problem?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

This is a situation that calls for caution rather than panic. Cloves contain eugenol, which is irritating and can stress the liver, and your cat already has compromised kidney function that makes her more vulnerable to toxins. Even a small piece of spiced chicken is not worth the risk for a cat with chronic kidney disease. Watch her closely over the next 24 hours for vomiting, lethargy, or changes in drinking and urination patterns, and call your vet if you notice anything concerning.

Cloves — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Contain eugenol, which is irritating and can affect the liver in quantity.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Cloves is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

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

Open the full food page: Cloves food facts →