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My cat licked caramelized onion. Is it safe for my cat to eat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Female | spayed | 10 months and 14 days old

Caught my cat licking a pan with some caramelized onion on it. She's a 10 month old Ragdoll. Not sure of her weight

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Penelope Graben, DVM

Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 15th, 2021

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear that Luna got into the pan with onions. Generally, she would need to eat a few mouthfuls of pure onion to get a toxic amount. A few licks of oil in a pan with onion in it wouldn't cause problems, except maybe some GI distress from excess fat.
If she did ingest a toxic amount of onions, it would cause anemia which results in weakness and lethargy. If you are concerned about the amount she ingested, call her veterinarian and schedule an appointment for a physical exam and bloodwork.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Vote Icon3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 12th, 2019

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Morty. Oh no, that's not good. Licking the greasy pan when there are no onions in it should not be a problem. At his weight, he would need to consume 60g of onion, but you removed the onions, so there was none for him to eat. He should be fine!

    Vote Icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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