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Is Society Garlic Toxic to Cats?

✅ Non-Toxic
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
No, society garlic is non-toxic to cats. Despite the garlic smell, this ornamental is not a true Allium and lacks the compounds that make real garlic dangerous.

Also known as: Pink Agapanthus, Garlic Broom, Tulbaghia violacea · Tulbaghia violacea

What to do if your cat eats it

No action needed. Chewing the leaves may leave a garlic breath smell and cause a harmless fiber vomit at most.

Common questions

Why is it called society garlic if real garlic is toxic?

The name comes from its milder flavor being acceptable “in polite society”. The plant is a Tulbaghia, not an Allium, and is considered pet-safe.

Could a cat mistake it for real garlic plants?

Only a human would. What matters is that cats can chew this one safely — keep true garlic and onion plants out of pet gardens.

More plants checked for cats

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves or vines releases sharp calcium oxalate crystalAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to cats. The gel is famously soothing for human skin, buSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to cats. They are one of the best houseplants for homes with curEaster Lily☠️ ToxicYes — and this is one of the most dangerous plants a cat can meet. Every part of an Easter lily,Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to cats and among the deadliest houseplants. Every part contaiBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to cats — a classic choice for plant-loving cat households.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.