Chives are closely related to garlic and onions since they belong to the allium family. Unlike garlic and onions, chives don’t have any edible bulbs. Instead, they have long, edible strands, and they feature a distant oniony flavor, which is comparable to the taste of leeks.
Chives have a dark and tall appearance, and they resemble grass, though they aren’t grass at all. They’re very delicate, though they come with a certain level of onion punch. Chives always offer an added sharpness to any dishes that they’re used to garnish.
Are Chives Safe for Cats?
Chives are very common for many people’s cooking and kitchens; they are used in many recipes, and they can be used as parts of herb mixtures, dried, or in their fresh forms. They’re used in salad dressings or paired with meat dishes or other meals.
It’s not impossible for your cat to consume them at one point or another, mostly if you’re growing them in your household planer or yard. Chives leaves may be particularly appealing to cats since the cats can chew on them.
Generally, cats shouldn’t eat chives since they can be toxic, especially if they eat them in high quantities or for a long time. If your cat has eaten chives, keep a close look on her for several hours; be on the lookout for behavioral issues that require a vet’s attention, diarrhea, or excessive vomiting. If you are sure that your cat has eaten chives, whether in the ground, dried, or fresh form, consult a vet since they are hazardous to cats.
Do Cats Really Like Chives?
Truthfully, cats behave similarly to children’ they tend to involve themselves in things they shouldn’t, since they don’t fathom the dangers that come with that. In case of chives consumption in your cat, you are likely to notice stomach upsets that come with vomiting and diarrhea. Cats can’t derive any nutritional values from eating chives since they are toxic, so don’t feel guilty if you deny your cat chives.
Do Cats Detest Chives?
Many cats don’t like chives; if this is the case, that’s good news. Encourage your cats to be busy by engaging them in activities that divert attention from eating chives.
Are Chives Fatal for Cats?
A tiny nibble of a chive may not result in much harm to your cat after consuming chives. The reason behind this is that chives are a main component in the Amaryllidaceae family, along with certain lilies, snowdrops, leeks, onions. Chives contain oxidants that are absolutely toxic to cats, mostly, N-propyl.
N-propyl attacks your cat’s red blood cells, resulting in their damage. Additionally, it reduces your cat’s red blood cells levels, which can be fatal in certain instances; this results in reduced oxygen supply and hemolytic anemia to your cat’s body. Also, it dilates blood muscles and relaxes your cat’s heart muscles, resulting in circulatory issues and reduced blood pressure levels.
Chives consumption by cats can result in abdominal discomforts, diarrhea, bloody urine, appetite loss for water and food, lethargy, and vomiting. Even if you choose to ignore the high risks of hemolytic anemia, these side effects can be bad enough, if not fatal! It also happens to dogs, but, given that cats are lighter and smaller than many dogs, it takes less time to be consumed in their bodies, resulting in more severe side effects.
When you should see a Vet after Your Cat has Eaten Chives?
If your cat has consumed chives, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Lethargy, panting, or weakness
- Bloody urine
- Abdominal pain
- Wobbly walking
- Mouth irritation
- Collapse
Tinier cats are likely to be susceptible to the side effects associated with cats consuming chives as compared to larger felines. It’s a good idea to deny your cats from eating chives, keeping the vet away.
How Many Chives Should My Cat Eat?
The answer is, none! It doesn’t matter whichever the form that the chives are consumed in, be it roasted, boiled, or with some seasonings, the fact is that chives aren’t safe for cats.
Common methods that Cats Consume Chives
If you intend to have a ‘chive proof’ home for your cat, be on the lookout for the following or totally make them inaccessible for your pets:
Avoid growing chives close to your home; if your pet enjoys going outdoors, it’s important not to grow chives close to your home. Chives are prevalent in a casserole, pasta, chicken dishes, and omelets, and in certain instances as salad dressings or toppings.
Final Say
Chinese chives and common chives are the most commonly used in cooking. Common chives feature delicate, thin, and long tubes that are often used for garnishing; commonly, you’ll see them garnishing the Eggs Benedict. On the other hand, Chinese chives are longer than the common chives and are commonly used as the main ingredients in dishes.