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Is Lemon-Scented Ginger toxic to cats?

Zingiber citriodorum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lemon-scented 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 citriodorum is not individually assessed by the ASPCA. Culinary ginger (Z. officinale) is generally considered non-toxic, but the genus lacks blanket ASPCA clearance at species level. Classified here as mildly-toxic; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate lemon-scented ginger

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

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

Is lemon-scented ginger toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lemon-scented ginger toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lemon-scented 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 citriodorum is not individually assessed by the ASPCA. Culinary ginger (Z. officinale) is generally considered non-toxic, but the genus lacks blanket ASPCA clearance at species level. Classified here as mildly-toxic; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lemon-scented ginger?

Zingiber citriodorum is not individually assessed by the ASPCA. Culinary ginger (Z. officinale) is generally considered non-toxic, but the genus lacks blanket ASPCA clearance at species level. Classified here as mildly-toxic; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected. 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 lemon-scented ginger.

What should I do if my cat ate lemon-scented 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 lemon-scented ginger toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to lemon-scented 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 lemon-scented ginger pet-safety