Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Golden-Flowered Ginger toxic to cats?

Zingiber chrysanthum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists golden-flowered 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. Zingiber officinale (culinary ginger) is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but individual species within the genus lack specific ASPCA assessments. The genus is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution; ingestion in quantity may cause gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. Consult a vet if a pet consumes the plant.

What to do if your cat ate golden-flowered ginger

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

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

Is golden-flowered ginger toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is golden-flowered ginger toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists golden-flowered 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. Zingiber officinale (culinary ginger) is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but individual species within the genus lack specific ASPCA assessments. The genus is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution; ingestion in quantity may cause gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. Consult a vet if a pet consumes the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats golden-flowered ginger?

Zingiber officinale (culinary ginger) is not listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but individual species within the genus lack specific ASPCA assessments. The genus is classified here as mildly-toxic as a precaution; ingestion in quantity may cause gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. Consult a vet if a pet consumes 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 golden-flowered ginger.

What should I do if my cat ate golden-flowered 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 golden-flowered ginger toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to golden-flowered 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 golden-flowered ginger pet-safety