Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Tsao-Ko Cardamom toxic to cats?

Amomum tsao-ko

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tsao-ko cardamom as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The seed pods are used as a culinary spice, but the vegetative plant parts may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure.

What to do if your cat ate tsao-ko cardamom

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move tsao-ko cardamom out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of tsao-ko cardamom to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten tsao-ko cardamom, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is tsao-ko cardamom toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is tsao-ko cardamom toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tsao-ko cardamom as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The seed pods are used as a culinary spice, but the vegetative plant parts may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats tsao-ko cardamom?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The seed pods are used as a culinary spice, but the vegetative plant parts may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to tsao-ko cardamom.

What should I do if my cat ate tsao-ko cardamom?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is tsao-ko cardamom toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Tsao-Ko Cardamom is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full tsao-ko cardamom pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to tsao-ko cardamom?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full tsao-ko cardamom pet-safety