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Is Chinese Wild Ginger toxic to cats?

Asarum splendens

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese wild ginger 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. Asarum splendens, like other members of the Aristolochiaceae family, contains aristolochic acids that are toxic to the kidneys if ingested in significant amounts. The ASPCA does not individually list this species. Keep away from pets and children. Not safe for internal use despite the 'ginger' common name.

What to do if your cat ate chinese wild ginger

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move chinese wild ginger 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 chinese wild ginger to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is chinese wild ginger toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is chinese wild ginger toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese wild ginger 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. Asarum splendens, like other members of the Aristolochiaceae family, contains aristolochic acids that are toxic to the kidneys if ingested in significant amounts. The ASPCA does not individually list this species. Keep away from pets and children. Not safe for internal use despite the 'ginger' common name.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats chinese wild ginger?

Asarum splendens, like other members of the Aristolochiaceae family, contains aristolochic acids that are toxic to the kidneys if ingested in significant amounts. The ASPCA does not individually list this species. Keep away from pets and children. Not safe for internal use despite the 'ginger' common name. 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 chinese wild ginger.

What should I do if my cat ate chinese wild ginger?

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 chinese wild ginger toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chinese Wild Ginger is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full chinese wild ginger pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to chinese wild ginger?

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 chinese wild ginger pet-safety