Although some people use garlic as a flea preventative in dogs, this method should never be used in cats. Garlic can be toxic to them.
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Effects
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Garlic and onions might both cause Heinz body anemia in cats. This disease kills their red blood cells, causing diarrhea, vomiting, liver damage, asthma and allergies. Skin contact with garlic can also cause rashes and other problems.
Treatment
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Cats who develop symptoms of Heinz body anemia should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. Cats should be encouraged to vomit up the garlic and might require gastric lavage or activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the toxins.
Other Animals
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Some dogs and horses might also develop anemia after eating garlic, so caution should always be used when attempting this method.
Theories/Speculation
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Since fleas are naturally repelled by garlic, some people believe garlic can be fed to dogs and cats or applied to their skin in an effort to avoid commercial flea preventatives.
Alternatives
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Brewer's yeast is another natural -- although unproven -- remedy for fleas that does not have the side effects of garlic.
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