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Is Red Spiral Ginger toxic to cats?

Costus pulverulentus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red spiral 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. Costus pulverulentus is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database. Various indigenous groups use it medicinally for post-partum pain and fever, suggesting the presence of bioactive phytochemicals. As with other Costus species, saponins may cause gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs. Treat as mildly toxic and consult a veterinarian if a pet ingests any part of this plant.

What to do if your cat ate red spiral ginger

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

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

Is red spiral ginger toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red spiral ginger toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red spiral 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. Costus pulverulentus is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database. Various indigenous groups use it medicinally for post-partum pain and fever, suggesting the presence of bioactive phytochemicals. As with other Costus species, saponins may cause gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs. Treat as mildly toxic and consult a veterinarian if a pet ingests any part of this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red spiral ginger?

Costus pulverulentus is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database. Various indigenous groups use it medicinally for post-partum pain and fever, suggesting the presence of bioactive phytochemicals. As with other Costus species, saponins may cause gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs. Treat as mildly toxic and consult a veterinarian if a pet ingests any part of 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 red spiral ginger.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to red spiral 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 red spiral ginger pet-safety