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If your cat ate red tower ginger — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Red Tower Ginger is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Red Tower Ginger — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take red tower ginger away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate red tower ginger — FAQ

Is red tower ginger poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Red Tower Ginger (Costus barbatus) as mildly toxic to cats. Costus barbatus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus contains steroidal saponins that can cause gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs if plant material is ingested. Rhizomes pose the greatest risk. Consult a veterinarian if a pet ingests any part of this plant.

How serious is it if my cat ate red tower ginger?

Red Tower Ginger is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Costus barbatus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The genus contains steroidal saponins that can cause gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs if plant material is ingested. Rhizomes pose the greatest risk. Consult a veterinarian if a pet ingests any part of this plant. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep red tower ginger well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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