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Is Green Cardamom toxic to cats?

Elettaria cardamomum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists green 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 essential oils (principally 1,8-cineole/eucalyptol and terpinyl acetate) in leaves, seeds, and pods may irritate the gastrointestinal tract of cats and dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy if consumed in significant quantities. The concentrated essential oil is more hazardous than the plant itself. Contact a vet if a pet ingests a large amount.

What to do if your cat ate green cardamom

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

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

Is green cardamom toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is green cardamom toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists green 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 essential oils (principally 1,8-cineole/eucalyptol and terpinyl acetate) in leaves, seeds, and pods may irritate the gastrointestinal tract of cats and dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy if consumed in significant quantities. The concentrated essential oil is more hazardous than the plant itself. Contact a vet if a pet ingests a large amount.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats green cardamom?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA. The essential oils (principally 1,8-cineole/eucalyptol and terpinyl acetate) in leaves, seeds, and pods may irritate the gastrointestinal tract of cats and dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy if consumed in significant quantities. The concentrated essential oil is more hazardous than the plant itself. Contact a vet if a pet ingests a large amount. 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 green cardamom.

What should I do if my cat ate green 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 green cardamom toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to green 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 green cardamom pet-safety