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Is Fingerroot Ginger toxic to cats?

Boesenbergia rotunda

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fingerroot 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. Boesenbergia rotunda is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Database. The rhizomes are widely consumed as a culinary spice by humans with no known harmful effects. Closely related Zingiberaceae genera (Hedychium, Kaempferia) are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA; however, since this species specifically is unconfirmed, classify as mildly-toxic out of caution — consult a vet if a pet ingests the plant.

What to do if your cat ate fingerroot ginger

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

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

Is fingerroot ginger toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is fingerroot ginger toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fingerroot 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. Boesenbergia rotunda is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Database. The rhizomes are widely consumed as a culinary spice by humans with no known harmful effects. Closely related Zingiberaceae genera (Hedychium, Kaempferia) are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA; however, since this species specifically is unconfirmed, classify as mildly-toxic out of caution — consult a vet if a pet ingests the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats fingerroot ginger?

Boesenbergia rotunda is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Database. The rhizomes are widely consumed as a culinary spice by humans with no known harmful effects. Closely related Zingiberaceae genera (Hedychium, Kaempferia) are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA; however, since this species specifically is unconfirmed, classify as mildly-toxic out of caution — consult a vet if a pet ingests the plant. 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 fingerroot ginger.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to fingerroot 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 fingerroot ginger pet-safety