As a devoted pet parent, you want to make sure your furry friends are eating meals that aren’t just tasty, but actually good for them. But when it comes to adding a little garlic to the bowl? That’s one “superfood” you’ll want to skip. Here is the lowdown on why garlic and cats just don’t mix.
Why Garlic Can Be Harmful
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is what gives it that signature pungent aroma. While allicin is often praised for its antibacterial properties in humans, cats (and dogs, too!) lack the specific enzymes needed to break it down.
Because their bodies can’t process it, garlic can actually lead to life-threatening anemia (a low red blood cell count) and symptoms of poisoning. It’s also worth noting that our feline friends are even more sensitive to these toxic effects than dogs are. To keep your kitty safe, it’s best to keep the garlic strictly in your own pasta sauce!
