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

My 8-week-old tabby kitten, about 800 grams, nibbled a piece of raw shallot — 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. Red shallots are more concentrated than onions, and an 800 gram kitten is tiny enough that even a small nibble can cause serious damage. The sulfur compounds in shallots destroy red blood cells, and a kitten's developing system is especially vulnerable. Look for pale or whitish gums, weakness, lethargy, or vomiting over the next several hours. Do not try to make her throw up. Call your vet or the ASPCA poison control line (888-426-4435) now and bring whatever you can of the shallot so the vet knows exactly what she ate.

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 →