Pet safety
Is Goldings Hopstoxic to cats & dogs?
Humulus lupulus 'East Kent Goldings'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Humulus lupulus 'East Kent Goldings'
Is goldings hops safe for cats and dogs?
No — goldings hops is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Hops (Humulus lupulus) are toxic, particularly to dogs. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports that ingestion of hop cones, plant material or spent brewing hops can induce malignant hyperthermia — a dangerous, uncontrolled spike in body temperature. Look for panting, agitation, vomiting, rapid heart rate, tremors and seizures, and seek emergency veterinary care without delay.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats goldings hops?
Hops (Humulus lupulus) are toxic, particularly to dogs. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports that ingestion of hop cones, plant material or spent brewing hops can induce malignant hyperthermia — a dangerous, uncontrolled spike in body temperature. Look for panting, agitation, vomiting, rapid heart rate, tremors and seizures, and seek emergency veterinary care without delay. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to goldings hops, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate goldings hops
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move goldings hops out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of goldings hops to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to goldings hops
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Goldings Hops and pets — frequently asked questions
Is goldings hops toxic to cats?
Goldings Hops (Humulus lupulus 'East Kent Goldings') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Hops (Humulus lupulus) are toxic, particularly to dogs. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports that ingestion of hop cones, plant material or spent brewing hops can induce malignant hyperthermia — a dangerous, uncontrolled spike in body temperature. Look for panting, agitation, vomiting, rapid heart rate, tremors and seizures, and seek emergency veterinary care without delay. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is goldings hops toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Goldings Hops (Humulus lupulus 'East Kent Goldings') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like goldings hops is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats goldings hops?
Hops (Humulus lupulus) are toxic, particularly to dogs. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports that ingestion of hop cones, plant material or spent brewing hops can induce malignant hyperthermia — a dangerous, uncontrolled spike in body temperature. Look for panting, agitation, vomiting, rapid heart rate, tremors and seizures, and seek emergency veterinary care without delay. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to goldings hops, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate goldings hops?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of goldings hops to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to goldings hops?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full goldings hops care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete goldings hops care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.