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Is Stepladder Ginger toxic to cats?

Costus malortieanus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists stepladder 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 malortieanus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with other members of the genus, saponin compounds present in the plant tissue may cause gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling) in cats and dogs if ingested. Keep pets away from rhizomes and seek veterinary advice following any ingestion.

What to do if your cat ate stepladder ginger

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

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

Is stepladder ginger toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is stepladder ginger toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists stepladder 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 malortieanus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with other members of the genus, saponin compounds present in the plant tissue may cause gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling) in cats and dogs if ingested. Keep pets away from rhizomes and seek veterinary advice following any ingestion.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats stepladder ginger?

Costus malortieanus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with other members of the genus, saponin compounds present in the plant tissue may cause gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling) in cats and dogs if ingested. Keep pets away from rhizomes and seek veterinary advice following any ingestion. 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 stepladder ginger.

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

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

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