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Is Panda Face Ginger toxic to cats?

Asarum maximum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists panda face 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. Asarum maximum belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family and, like related wild gingers, contains aristolochic acid analogues and essential oils including safrole. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus is known to contain aristolochic acids that are nephrotoxic and carcinogenic in quantity. Dogs and cats appear relatively resistant to acute aristolochic acid toxicity, but ingestion should be discouraged. Consult a vet if a pet chews on this plant.

What to do if your cat ate panda face ginger

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

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

Is panda face ginger toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is panda face ginger toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists panda face 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. Asarum maximum belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family and, like related wild gingers, contains aristolochic acid analogues and essential oils including safrole. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus is known to contain aristolochic acids that are nephrotoxic and carcinogenic in quantity. Dogs and cats appear relatively resistant to acute aristolochic acid toxicity, but ingestion should be discouraged. Consult a vet if a pet chews on this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats panda face ginger?

Asarum maximum belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family and, like related wild gingers, contains aristolochic acid analogues and essential oils including safrole. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus is known to contain aristolochic acids that are nephrotoxic and carcinogenic in quantity. Dogs and cats appear relatively resistant to acute aristolochic acid toxicity, but ingestion should be discouraged. Consult a vet if a pet chews on this 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 panda face ginger.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to panda face 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 panda face ginger pet-safety