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Is Cup Ginger toxic to cats?

Hornstedtia scyphifera

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cup 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. Hornstedtia scyphifera is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Zingiberaceae (ginger family) is generally considered to have low toxicity, but without a confirmed non-toxic listing, a mildly-toxic designation is used as a conservative precaution.

What to do if your cat ate cup ginger

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

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

Is cup ginger toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is cup ginger toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cup 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. Hornstedtia scyphifera is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Zingiberaceae (ginger family) is generally considered to have low toxicity, but without a confirmed non-toxic listing, a mildly-toxic designation is used as a conservative precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats cup ginger?

Hornstedtia scyphifera is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Zingiberaceae (ginger family) is generally considered to have low toxicity, but without a confirmed non-toxic listing, a mildly-toxic designation is used as a conservative precaution. 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 cup ginger.

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

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

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