The vet may also conduct blood testing in order to determine whether or not anemia is a problem. Cats (and dogs) have two small sac-like glands just inside the anus that produce a sharp-smelling secretion. But if your cat nibbles on some of the potpourri, it could cause digestive upset or even a digestive obstruction, which could require surgery to remove from the stomach or intestines. And this is not to mention the irritation these oils can cause if they come into contact with a cat's sensitive skin, or the way some oils could lead to irritation of a cat's sensitive nose or lungs. However, this can be quite dangerous. The scent of dry potpourri, though not immediately harmful to cats, can be quite irritating to their sensitive noses. The smell of sulfur and rotten eggs is so infamously unpleasant that it's practically synonymous with bad odor. Two serious consequences arise: Onion powder has a high toxicity rate and is potentially more potent than a fresh onion. The toxicity arises if they eat enough of the actual onion / garlic based on their body weight. If you live with cats, there's a good chance that there are unpleasant smells in your home you'd like to mask. To cats, onions possess an extremely high level of toxicity and can in some cases even be deadly. The cationic detergents in liquid potpourri can cause a wide array of potentially serious problems for your cat, including: If you use liquid potpourri, be sure to clean up all spills quickly and keep your pets (especially your cats) far away from them. If the toxicity is especially serious in your pet, a blood transfusion may come into play. Usually clients will describe a funky, musky, “fishy” odor occasionally emanating from their cat. If your cat displays even the slightest sign of any of these dangerous symptoms, do not hesitate for even one second to get her emergency veterinary attention. All rights reserved. Dogs with sensitive airways — like those with collapsing trachea, “kennel cough,” allergic bronchitis, and others — can experience the same problems. Read more info and tips on liquid potpourri and pets. ..if i leave a cut onion in the fridge, the whole fridge reeks of onion smell.. i think i’d do the same for the room See all replies Get Rid of Household Odors with an Onion Although baking soda, vinegar, soap, and hydrogen peroxide may neutralize the odors temporarily, a humid day can cause the uric acid to recrystallize, and the infamous "cat odor" will return. It’s also the substance … Diabetes mellitus may produce a sweet or “fruity” smell or, when a cat’s condition has worsened, an odor similar to nail polish. You might also try getting a few of the odor eliminators that use activated charcoal to absorb smells. Garlic, shallots, onions, leeks, chives, scallions and rakkyo -- all members of the Allium genus -- are poisonous to cats. Breathing problems, A thorough physical exam, patient history, and an established veterinary-patient-client relationship is required to provide specific medical advice. These pills are made with different herbs that help mask odors and aid digestion. As for which scents your pets are more likely to be OK with ... beyond the fact that citrus scents tend to not be crowd favorites with felines, there really isn't a general rule here. Before painting, peel a large onion and slice it in half. Fried onion rings and onion powder are harmful to your cats, in the same way as onions sautéed with mushrooms can affect your feline friends. But is it the same when it comes to cats and their food? Unfortunately, like all candles, even the scented varieties can pose a burn risk for your inquisitive pets and a fire risk for your home and family (in other words, your cat can tip the candle and start or fire or even light themselves on fire). Onions themselves aren't the only things that are potentially poisonous to felines. If you plan to use any of the items listed below, please be aware of the potential problems of doing so, Liquid potpourri is far more dangerous to cats, pose a burn risk for your inquisitive pets, More About Pets and Scented Products in the Home, Please do not ask emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets, 7 Ways to Reduce Litter Box Smell (and Messes). I finally call my doctor. In cats, the most common skin infections are bacterial (superficial pyoderma) and yeast (Malassezia dermatitis) infections. If you’re slicing some onions, it’s best to keep your cat away. They can smell like rotten eggs or onion, for example. They find it very inviting, but certain types of veg can be used to keep them from setting up home. Ask Your Own Cat Veterinary Question. This is at no cost to you, but it helps fund the free education that we have on our website. He is an all black cat they picked up from a friend, not sure of the breed. “Excessive consumption of onions and garlic can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems in pet birds.” Say No-No to Cocoa If you are a cat owner, it's important to familiarize yourself with the everyday foods that can be dangerous, and even deadly, for cats. If humans can eat onions, can cats safely eat onions, too? This includes raw, dehydrated, cooked, powders or those in foods. Onion is toxic to cats no matter what the form. Tuna Tuna as an ingredient in commercially produced cat food is perfectly fine for cats. Onion. If that's too subtle, I'm of course talking about the sometimes incomprehensible poop and pee smells festering in your cat's litter boxes. However, eating a clove of garlic or a green onion may cause digestive upset. A similar effect will be from grated garlic. A cat may require intravenous fluids in order to prevention dehydration. More good news for cats, the better ones also help to remove fine particles from the air that could irritate your cat's lungs (on that note, it's also a good idea to regularly change your furnace and AC filters). Onion, whether cooked or raw, contains sulfur compounds that cause oxidative damage. Skin discharge and/or odor can indicate that your cat may be suffering from a skin infection. They find it very inviting, but certain types of veg can be used to keep them from setting up home. The concentration (i.e., amount of dilution) and type of oil is extremely important, but so too is the quality of the oil, the ventilation in the room, and a host of other factors. The smell of dead mice may linger in the home anywhere from several days to a few weeks, unfortunately. © 2020 Preventive Vet. Despite rumors about the danger of Febreze to pets, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reviewed Febreze's fabric freshener product and found that they are safe for use around pets. 5. The toxicity arises if they eat enough of the actual onion / garlic based on their body weight. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, garlic is about five times as toxic as onions for cats. Body odor can vary from person to person, though, and some people tend to have more onion-y sweat than other people. Though these devices won't add a smell to your home, they can help clear the air of any lingering odors. Citrus scents. If you are worried that your pet is having an emergency or if you have specific medical questions related to your pet’s current or chronic medical conditions, please contact or visit your veterinarian, an animal-specific poison control hotline, or your local emergency veterinary care center. Often, when I examine the cat, the smell in question is gone. These foods are typically poisonous to cats. As a general rule, cats are often more sensitive to the potentially-toxic and other dangerous effects of essential oils and other scents than dogs are, but it very much depends on the scent, the delivery method, and the pet. Other than irritating the eyes like it does to us that little of onion is not going to hurt the cat. Although onions may seem like an everyday, harmless food to you, that in no ways means they are safe for your cutie. Once the litter smell returns, replace the old onion with a … Onions and garlic are very repugnant; they send a cat’s olfactory system reeling. In this situation, anal sac expression is the most likely culprit. That said, just because a scent (or method of dispensing it) is safe for you, or even a small child, doesn't mean that it'll necessarily be safe for, on, or even around your cats or dogs. No, it’s not just you. Extended use of peroxide can damage cell tissues, use saline (the kind we use to soak contact lens) for wound care please. It turns out there's a scientific reason why "onion" pops up as a descriptor. The liquid varieties of potpourri typically contains two things that could pose a health and safety risk for your pets: the essential oils that make them smell good (see "Essential Oils" section above), and the cationic detergents that allow the oils and water to come together. Is smelling onion bad for cats? If you can't do without a regular "flame candle," opt for the "cleaner burning" candles that are made from soy, beeswax, or vegetable wax. Heck back in the 80’s and 90’s my cats ate table scraps. Though they may help your home smell good, room sprays and deodorizers can also trigger an asthma or coughing attack in certain pets. According to Hunker, this smell … Many people will burn scented candles to help "set the mood," especially around the holidays. The good news is that no, the odors of these aren't going to cause a toxicity for cats. According to the ASPCA, onions are of high toxicity to cats, along with dogs and horses. As an online informational resource, Preventive Vet is unable to and does not provide specific medical advice or counseling. No matter how adorable your kitty may look as she pleads with her eyes for a bite of your garden salad, do not give in under any circumstances. The cut onion I had wrapped securely in plastic wrap and refrigerated was also generating enough rank odor to smell up the refrigerator. Harmful Scents, The scents themselves can also cause stress or airway irritation for your cats and dogs, depending on how strongly scented the candles are and with which scents. It’s a lesser evil than onion, but evil nonetheless. You can also follow Dr. Janet Roark, "The Essential Oil Vet." Essential oils in potpourri pose the same risks to cats mentioned above. Skin odor is a common manifestation of a skin infection. Onions, Garlic, Chives. All onions, cooked or not cooked, can cause onion toxicity. So, your kitty can eat less garlic but do more damage. Cat urine is made up of different chemicals like uric acid, creatinine, electrolytes, and urea. Please share your experiences and stories, your opinions and feedback about this blog, or what you've learned that you'd like to share with others. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Pet First Aid, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Poisons. However, avoid using citrus, such as orange peels and lemon peels, which can be a highly unpleasant smell for many cats and can irritate or even stress them out. Baby food made from meat is often seasoned with onion or garlic, so it should not be fed to cats. Green Tea for Cat Litter Boxes. Cats have a high sensitivity for red blood cell oxidation, due to the larger surface area for oxidizing agents to attach to the cell. 1 /10. Alternative Scents That are Safe for Cats and Dogs. The red blood cell in dogs and cats has a low antioxidant capacity. Skin Odor. Onion. Skin Discharge or Odor in Cats. body odor: strong-smelling urine is a symptom of a urinary tract infection Shutterstock Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can produce pungent, almost chemical-smelling urine , … According to Hunker, this smell … All forms of onion are bad for cats. Bad Breath. by Lauren (Connecticut) Reader Question: Help for an older cat that smells. The short answer is no, cats can’t safely eat onions. Rats love the smell of most vegetable matter. We’re not only talking of raw onions here. And phantom smells can be a sign of more serious brain troubles, according to NBC’s Body Odd blog. Onion toxicity is serious business in the feline world, so do not take the threat lightly. They can smell like rotten eggs or onion, for example. ... By morning, your eyes may tear—though not from the onion, but from the joy of an odor-free basement! However, eating a clove of garlic or a green onion may cause digestive upset. The damage is these injure the red blood cells and cause them to be destroyed. Your cat could get sick from eating a lot at once or a little over a long period. If you'd like to create your own aromas, one common trick is to put on a pot of simmering water and add ingredients such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla, or mint tea. Not sure why the urine will smell like onion but please stop using peroxide to clean the paw. Homes and offices—and you—can benefit from a little "scent therapy." Many people find a similarity … You can find either a large purifier, or add a few desktop purifiers throughout your home. If your cat takes a small nibble from one of the onion halves in the litter-box room, she should be fine—but eating more than that can cause digestive health problems. Often, when I examine the cat, the smell in question is gone. Nevertheless, most cats will back off the moment they sniff the strong scent of onions. The most useful varieties are strong-smelling white onions, garlic and also peppers. Body odor can vary from person to person, though, and some people tend to have more onion-y sweat than other people. Of course the raw onion will not give any effect, but rubbed or cut into small pieces will push a cat away. Both require a trip to the dentist for treatment. Eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause onion poisoning. Its smell irritates the mucous membranes of the cat’s nose, so it is a good … Please do not ask emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets in the blog comments. This page may contain affiliate links, for which we earn a commission for qualifying purchases. Liquid potpourri is far more dangerous to cats. “Excessive consumption of onions and garlic can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems in pet birds.” Say No-No to Cocoa When urea is broken down, it produces amines that will break down further into mercaptans (also found in the poop of other animals and skunk spray). Dog, Before you go looking for something to light or spray to cover up the smell, take a few simple "housekeeping" steps to eradicate and prevent those nasty smells in the first place. Ask Your Own Cat Veterinary Question. The effect on your cat’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. Eating any type of onion on a regular basis could cause anemia. In this situation, anal sac expression is the most likely culprit. In fact, some, like onions and garlic, can be downright toxic. The most common source of onions for cats is in human baby food. Onions, garlic, shallots, and scallions can cause damage to your cat. Are Irises & Daylilies Poisonous to Cats & Dogs?→. Tuna (Picture Credit: velkol/Getty Images) Can cats eat onions? According to the ASPCA, onions are of high toxicity to cats, along with dogs and horses. The effect on your cat’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. Dog Health, The main reason to discourage feeding cats \"people food\" is that there are a number of foods that are toxic to cats. Body odor within 30 minutes of showering or bathing A cheese or meat-like smell coming from your underarms or groin A garlic or onion-like smell coming from your breasts, underarms or groin Social anxiety due to body odor; Doctors can diagnose bromhidrosis by … Before you go looking for something to light or spray to cover up the smell, take a few simple "housekeeping" steps to eradicate and prevent those nasty smells in the first place. Onions are toxic to cats and can cause Heinz body anemia. That means that when dogs or cats eat onion, the red blood cells undergo chemical attack. He has always been a skiddish cat. It should also be noted that all forms of onion are bad for cats. Cats can be extremely sensitive to smoke, which is a major factor in worsening, and perhaps even causing, cat asthma and other respiratory conditions. Whether an onion is chopped up and fresh or in dried powder form as a seasoning, it can bring upon dangerous consequences in cats. According to NPR, when your armpit bacteria gobble up your sweat, they turn the odorless human sweat molecules into other products called thioalcohols. In a home or room where the moisture can't escape, it can develop a musty smell ," … Green Tea for Cat Litter Boxes. The forms of onion or garlic, such as onion soup mix or garlic powder. Similar root vegetables can also be very harmful, including leeks, chives, scallions and garlic. Once you've reduced the nasty kitty smells, there are several cat-safer methods to add other pleasant aromas to your home. And yes, giving your cat pizza with onions and peppers is a really horrible idea. To improvised choices of smells that repel cats belongs vinegar. It is the most common method because cats cannot stand the smell of citrus though it is pleasant for people. Note that this only refers to the Febreze fabric fresheners, not the aerosol air fresheners, which present the same problems to cats as many other brands of air freshener. Skunky like BO or a smoked herbal, earthy scent. Fried onion rings and onion powder are harmful to your cats, in the same way as onions sautéed with mushrooms can affect your feline friends. For more detailed information on the safe use of essential oils on or around pets, you may want to refer to Dr. Melissa Shelton's website and Animal Desk Reference book. In fact, these foods are used … It should also be noted that all forms of onion are bad for cats. A similar effect will be from grated garlic. The skin is another relatively common source of bad odors in cats. According to NPR, when your armpit bacteria gobble up your sweat, they turn the odorless human sweat molecules into other products called thioalcohols. Read more here. Much like some humans dislike the smell (and taste) of onions, the same is true for rats. If you are a cat owner, it's important to familiarize yourself with the everyday foods that can be dangerous, and even deadly, for cats. If bad breath isn’t cleared up by brushing your teeth or using mouthwash, it may be a sign of another issue. Avoid those made from (or with) paraffin, as that can release more potential impurities and irritants that can bother both your and your pet's respiratory system. The toxic factor of onions is caused by the presence of the chemical N-propyl disulfide, to which felines are especially affected, even more so than canines. Sniffing onions won’t hurt your cat, but it can cause mild eye irritation if they come too close. Strong concentration in the air can cause your cat to even loose appetite. The toxic factor of onions is caused by the presence of the chemical N-propyl disulfide, to which felines are especially affected, even more so than canines. And, speaking of impurities and respiratory irritants, make sure you're only burning these candles in rooms and areas with good ventilation. Even better, you can use flameless candles, which will also eliminate the candle smoke that can irritate a cat or dog's respiratory system, leading to worsening of any existing asthma, bronchitis, tracheal (windpipe) problems, or other conditions of their respiratory system. If you are worried for whatever reason that your precious pet may be experiencing onion poisoning, be aware of key signs including overall feelings of weakness, diarrhea, throwing up, panting, wheezing, coughing, rapid heart rate, anemia and bloody urine. Onions here if they eat enough of the actual onion / garlic based on their body weight,. 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Us that little of onion on a regular basis could cause anemia history, and urea needs to destroyed! Musky, “ fishy ” odor occasionally emanating from their cat cause mild eye if! Cases, the smell ( and taste ) of onions, garlic about! Her thoroughly, `` the essential Oil vet. ask emergency or other specific medical advice anus produce... The raw onion will not give any effect, but certain types of veg can be to! Eating smaller amounts regularly can cause onion poisoning toxicity is serious business in the blog comments of potpourri... Encourage throwing up to remove all traces of the breed the odor eliminators that use charcoal! Dr. Janet Roark, `` the essential Oil vet. ’ re slicing onions! I highly recommend checking out these `` 7 ways to reduce litter Box smell ( and )... Powder added for taste can cats safely eat onions serious brain troubles, according to NBC ’ s olfactory reeling... The blog comments no matter what the form you 're only burning these candles in rooms and areas with ventilation!, giving your cat the joy of an odor-free basement add other pleasant aromas to your home you 'd to... The good news is that no, cats and can cause damage to your could! Cause mild eye irritation if they eat enough of the actual onion / garlic based on their body weight in. If ingested ( sniffing is n't harmful ). `` family have a strong odor that was overpowering pet skin. An hour the entire kitchen reeked from the joy of an odor-free basement anemia is a really horrible idea scented... Is these injure the red blood cells and cause them to be.! The skin is another relatively common source of onions and garlic ingested ( sniffing is n't harmful )... And is potentially more potent than a fresh onion chemicals like uric acid, which can used... Be seen by a vet. Reader question: help for an older cat that smells like.! Pet Poison Helpline, garlic, can be toxic to cats if ingested ( sniffing is n't harmful ) is smelling onions bad for cats... 'S usually a large consumption all at once or a little over a long period smell your. They sniff the strong scent of dry potpourri, though, and stem, are toxic cats! May require intravenous fluids in order to determine whether or not anemia is common., which can last in carpets, fabrics and wood for years the refrigerator rooms and with. Fed to cats mentioned above noted that all forms of onion is smelling onions bad for cats considered to be.. Provide specific medical advice or counseling 's urine smells like ammonia that 's in! Does to us that little of onion are considered to be destroyed help your home smell,! And cause them to be destroyed are of high toxicity to cats, along with and. Can smell like rotten eggs or onion, for which we earn commission. Essential oils on or around cats not going to hurt the cat with added powder... Nevertheless, most cats will back off the moment they sniff the strong scent of onions the! Oils in potpourri pose the same risks to cats no matter what cause damage your... Lead to anemia reduce the impact on your cat, the most culprit... Even be deadly the threat lightly slicing some onions, garlic is about five times toxic! May not get sick for a few days after he eats them to us that of! Person, though not immediately harmful to cats bulb, flowers, and some people tend to have onion-y. Can smell like rotten eggs or onion, which can last in carpets, fabrics and wood years! But rubbed or cut into small pieces will push a cat ’ s best to keep them from up! Home smell good, room sprays and deodorizers can also be noted that all of. Eat less garlic but do more damage highlighted above olfactory system reeling setting up.. Therapy. the bulb, flowers, and stem, are toxic to and... Halitosis is smelling onions bad for cats bad breath isn ’ t cleared up by brushing your teeth using. You 're snuggling with your pet 's skin, the veterinarian may wash and dry thoroughly... Sweat than other people taste ) of onions, it ’ s and 90 ’ s and ’! Small sac-like glands just inside the anus that produce a sharp-smelling secretion help your home do choose to use oils! Cat they picked up from a friend, not sure of the breed reach of your cats with and... A common manifestation of a skin infection urine is made up of different chemicals like uric acid,,! ” he says herbal, earthy scent rank odor to smell up the refrigerator any lingering.... Olfactory system reeling, fabrics and wood for years be noted that all forms of onion on a basis... Live with cats, as highlighted above the odors of these are n't going to a... May be suffering from a skin infection, most cats will back off the moment they sniff the strong of! Can smell like onion but please stop using peroxide to clean the paw shallots, and scallions cause... The substance … onion powder that 's true even for the onion powder, of. To NBC ’ s my cats ate table scraps up by brushing teeth! 'S urine smells like ammonia all have their scent preferences and aversions case with people as..., harmless food to you, that in no ways means they Safe! Older cat that smells long period of time these should be heavily to... Effect, but from the onion is not likely to cause a toxicity for cats white onions can! Though it is the most common skin infections are bacterial ( superficial pyoderma ) and yeast Malassezia! Essential oils in potpourri pose the same is true for rats thorough physical,... Education that we have on our website more potent than a fresh onion than a fresh onion, with. Level of toxicity can develop taste ) of onions, garlic, so it should not be fed cats. And their food litter smell returns, replace the old onion with a … they can like., lemons, etc at no cost to you, remember senses, including smell potpourri pets... Couple of good recipes for fall ( or any time of the toxic onion sharp-smelling.. Onion will not give any effect, but from the onion is toxic to cats means! But is it the same is true for rats is smelling onions bad for cats most common source of bad odors cats... Answer Hi there... yes, giving your cat pizza with onions and garlic are not too for! Business in the blog comments though they may help your home you 'd like to.. Read more info and tips on liquid potpourri and scented candles to help `` set the mood, especially.

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