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Pet safety

Is European Wild Ginger toxic to cats?

Asarum europaeum

Toxic to cats

Yes — european wild ginger is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Asarum europaeum contains aristolochic acids and asarone, compounds that are toxic to mammals. The ASPCA lists Asarum (wild ginger) as toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset. Aristolochic acids are also nephrotoxic in humans when ingested in quantity. Keep away from pets and do not consume. Wear gloves when handling as the sap can irritate skin.

What to do if your cat ate european wild ginger

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

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

Is european wild ginger toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is european wild ginger toxic to cats?

Yes — european wild ginger is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any cat that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Asarum europaeum contains aristolochic acids and asarone, compounds that are toxic to mammals. The ASPCA lists Asarum (wild ginger) as toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset. Aristolochic acids are also nephrotoxic in humans when ingested in quantity. Keep away from pets and do not consume. Wear gloves when handling as the sap can irritate skin.

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

Asarum europaeum contains aristolochic acids and asarone, compounds that are toxic to mammals. The ASPCA lists Asarum (wild ginger) as toxic to dogs and cats, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset. Aristolochic acids are also nephrotoxic in humans when ingested in quantity. Keep away from pets and do not consume. Wear gloves when handling as the sap can irritate skin. 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 european wild ginger.

What should I do if my cat ate european 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 european wild ginger toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to european 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 european wild ginger pet-safety