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Pet safety

Is White Ginger Lily toxic to cats?

Hedychium coronarium

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white ginger lily 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. Hedychium coronarium is not included in the ASPCA Toxic Plant Database as a confirmed toxic species, but it is not listed as non-toxic either. The Zingiberaceae family may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs, and the rhizomes contain irritant compounds. Because pet-safe status cannot be confirmed from authoritative sources, a 'mildly-toxic' classification is the appropriate precautionary position. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) promptly.

What to do if your cat ate white ginger lily

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

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

Is white ginger lily toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is white ginger lily toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists white ginger lily 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. Hedychium coronarium is not included in the ASPCA Toxic Plant Database as a confirmed toxic species, but it is not listed as non-toxic either. The Zingiberaceae family may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs, and the rhizomes contain irritant compounds. Because pet-safe status cannot be confirmed from authoritative sources, a 'mildly-toxic' classification is the appropriate precautionary position. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) promptly.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats white ginger lily?

Hedychium coronarium is not included in the ASPCA Toxic Plant Database as a confirmed toxic species, but it is not listed as non-toxic either. The Zingiberaceae family may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats and dogs, and the rhizomes contain irritant compounds. Because pet-safe status cannot be confirmed from authoritative sources, a 'mildly-toxic' classification is the appropriate precautionary position. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) promptly. 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 white ginger lily.

What should I do if my cat ate white ginger lily?

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 white ginger lily toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to white ginger lily?

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 white ginger lily pet-safety