By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Artichoke hearts usually come from a jar, a tin or a deli counter, and that is exactly why they need a second look before a cat gets a taste. The heart itself is the soft, mild part of the artichoke and is not toxic to cats. But marinated hearts often sit in oil with garlic, herbs and vinegar, canned hearts come in salty brine, and the most popular way to eat them is in a warm, cheesy dip. Those extras are where the problems start.
Key takeaways
- Plain cooked artichoke hearts are not toxic to cats.
- Marinated hearts often contain garlic, which is toxic to cats even in small amounts.
- Canned hearts in brine are salty, and jars in oil add a lot of fat.
- Spinach and artichoke dip usually contains garlic, onion, cheese and cream. Do not share it.
- Cats are carnivores and do not need vegetables as treats.
- Related: whole artichokes and cats, garlic and cats.
Common forms of artichoke hearts
Marinated in oil. Often flavoured with garlic, herbs, chilli and vinegar. The oil carries the flavours, so even a lick can include garlic.
Canned in brine or water. Usually salted, sometimes with citric acid. Rinsing reduces salt but does not remove all of it.
Grilled or chargrilled from the deli. Typically oiled, salted and seasoned.
Frozen. Usually plain, which is the lowest-risk form.
In dips, pizzas and pasta. Combined with garlic, onion, cheese, cream and salt.
Read the label every time. The artichoke is rarely the problem.
Why garlic is the main worry
Garlic belongs to the Allium family, along with onion, leek, shallot and chives. These plants contain sulfur compounds that damage red blood cells and can cause anaemia. Cats are particularly sensitive. Garlic powder and garlic oil are concentrated, and some marinades contain a lot. Signs can be delayed by several days.
Other concerns
Fat. Oil-packed hearts and creamy dips are rich. Fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and may contribute to pancreatitis in susceptible cats.
Salt. Brined and seasoned hearts add sodium cats do not need. A large amount can cause thirst, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Dairy. Many adult cats are lactose intolerant. Cream cheese, sour cream and parmesan in dips can cause loose stools.
Fibre. Artichokes contain inulin, a fermentable fibre that can cause wind and soft stools.
Signs to watch for
In the first day:
- Drooling or lip licking (vinegar, chilli and salt are irritating)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Increased thirst
If garlic or onion was involved, over the next three to five days:
- Lethargy or weakness
- Pale, white or yellow gums
- Fast or laboured breathing
- Dark orange or red urine
- Reduced appetite
What to do if your cat ate artichoke hearts
- Remove the jar, tin or dish.
- Check the label for garlic, onion, chilli and salt.
- Estimate how much your cat ate or licked.
- If garlic or onion was present, or your cat ate a meaningful amount of oil or dip, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
- Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.
When it is an emergency
Seek urgent veterinary care if your cat has pale or yellow gums, dark urine, breathing changes, collapses, vomits repeatedly, or stops eating. If your cat ate a garlic-heavy marinade or dip, call early, before signs appear, so your vet can advise on monitoring and blood tests.
How vets help
After a garlic exposure, your vet may check your cat's red blood cell levels and look for Heinz bodies on a blood smear, sometimes repeating tests a few days later. If the exposure was very recent, the vet may consider gut decontamination in the clinic. For simple stomach upset, supportive care is usually enough. Your vet will decide what is needed.
Can a cat ever have artichoke heart?
A small piece of plain, unseasoned, cooked artichoke heart (for example, from frozen hearts steamed without salt) is unlikely to harm a healthy cat. There is just no real benefit. Cats do better with meat-based treats such as small pieces of plain cooked chicken.
FAQ
My cat licked the oil from a jar of marinated artichokes. Is that dangerous?
It depends on whether the marinade contained garlic and how much was licked. A small lick is often low risk, but garlic toxicity can be delayed. Call your vet for advice.
Is spinach and artichoke dip bad for cats?
Yes. It usually contains garlic, onion, cheese and cream. Keep it away from cats.
Does rinsing canned artichoke hearts make them safe?
Rinsing lowers salt but does not remove garlic or other seasonings. Plain frozen hearts are the lowest-risk option.
Are artichoke supplements good for cats?
Do not give artichoke extract or liver supplements without your vet's guidance.
Talk with a vet
If your cat got into a jar of marinated artichokes or a bowl of dip, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you decide whether to monitor at home or head in. Talk to a Dial A Vet vet.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Onion and garlic toxicosis (Allium spp) in animals.
- Salgado BS, et al. Allium species poisoning in dogs and cats. Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases, 2011.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People foods to avoid feeding your pets.
- Xenoulis PG. Diagnosis and management of pancreatitis in dogs and cats. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2015.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
