By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Globe artichokes are a striking vegetable, and a cat that likes to chew plants may take an interest in the leaves sitting on a chopping board. The good news is that artichokes are not listed as toxic to cats. The less good news is that a cat's digestive system is not built for tough plant fibre, and the way people usually serve artichokes, with butter, garlic, lemon and salt, adds risks that the vegetable alone does not have.
Key takeaways
- Globe artichokes are not considered toxic to cats.
- The tough outer leaves have sharp tips, and the hairy choke is fibrous. Both can cause gagging, vomiting or, rarely, a blockage.
- Garlic butter, aioli, onion and heavy salt are bigger concerns than the artichoke itself.
- Cats are obligate carnivores and gain little from vegetables.
- A small nibble of plain cooked heart is usually harmless. Large pieces of leaf or choke warrant closer watching.
- Related: artichoke hearts and cats, artichokes and dogs.
Anatomy of an artichoke, from a cat's point of view
A globe artichoke is an unopened flower bud from a type of thistle. It has three main parts:
- Outer leaves (bracts). Tough and fibrous, with a sharp point at the tip of each leaf on many varieties. People scrape off the soft flesh at the base and discard the rest.
- The choke. A mass of fine hairs above the heart. Inedible for people and an unpleasant mouthful for a cat.
- The heart and stem. The tender, edible base.
Cats that chew plants are drawn to texture rather than taste, so leaves are often the part they target.
Why artichokes do not suit cats
Cats are carnivores. A cat's gut is short and designed for meat. Plant fibre is not harmful in small amounts (many cat foods include some), but large pieces of tough vegetable can be hard to process.
Choking and irritation. The pointed leaf tips and hairy choke can irritate the mouth and throat. Cats may gag, paw at their face or drool.
Possible blockage. A cat that swallows a large chunk of leaf or choke could, in rare cases, develop an obstruction.
Gut upset. Artichokes contain inulin, a fermentable fibre. In cats unused to it, this can cause wind, soft stools or diarrhoea.
Seasonings are the bigger concern
Artichokes are usually cooked or served with:
- Garlic, garlic butter or aioli
- Onion or shallots
- Salt and lemon
- Olive oil and herbs
- Cheese or creamy dips
Garlic and onion, in any form, can damage cats' red blood cells, and cats are more sensitive to these than dogs. Butter, oil and cheese add fat that can upset the stomach. If your cat licked a dip or sauce, the seasoning matters more than the artichoke.
Signs to watch for
- Gagging, drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or soft stools
- Reduced appetite
Signs of a possible blockage:
- Repeated vomiting, including after drinking water
- Not eating for more than a day
- Lethargy and hiding
- Straining with little or no faeces
If garlic or onion was involved, watch over the following days for lethargy, pale or yellow gums, fast breathing or dark urine.
What to do if your cat ate artichoke
- Remove remaining artichoke, leaves and any sauce.
- Work out what was eaten. Plain heart? Leaves? Dip with garlic?
- Check your cat's mouth gently for stuck pieces if they are gagging, but do not put your fingers deep into the throat.
- Offer water and watch for signs over 24 to 48 hours.
- Call your vet if leaves or the choke were swallowed in large pieces, or if garlic or onion was involved.
When it is an emergency
See a vet urgently if your cat is struggling to breathe, choking, vomiting repeatedly, cannot keep water down, or is very lethargic. Get prompt advice if your cat ate a garlic or onion-containing dip or sauce, even if they seem well at first.
How vets help
Your vet will examine your cat's mouth and throat and feel the belly. If an obstruction is suspected, X-rays or ultrasound may be used. Plant material does not always show on X-rays, so the vet may also rely on ultrasound or repeat exams. Mild gut upset usually settles with supportive care.
Better options for plant-loving cats
- Grow cat grass (wheat or oat grass) indoors for chewing.
- Provide catnip or silvervine toys.
- Keep cut flowers and vegetables off benches. Some, like lilies, are extremely toxic to cats. See lilies and cats.
FAQ
Are artichokes poisonous to cats?
No. They are not considered toxic. The concern is choking, fibre and seasonings.
My cat chewed an artichoke leaf. What now?
Watch for gagging, vomiting or loss of appetite. Most cats are fine. Call your vet if signs develop.
Is Jerusalem artichoke the same?
No. Jerusalem artichoke is a tuber from a sunflower relative. It is not toxic but very fibrous and gassy, so it is not a good cat treat either.
Can artichoke help a cat's liver?
Do not give artichoke or artichoke extract supplements to cats without your vet's advice. Liver problems need proper diagnosis.
Talk with a vet
If your cat has been chewing vegetables or plants and you are unsure what is safe, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and non-toxic plants list: cats.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Onion and garlic toxicosis (Allium spp) in animals.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Gastrointestinal obstruction in small animals.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.
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.
