What should I do if my cat ate Hops?

Call immediately. Any suspected hops ingestion in a cat warrants emergency veterinary evaluation — phone the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or your local emergency vet without waiting for symptoms.

What should I do if my dog ate Hops?

This is an emergency. Call your nearest emergency vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately on any suspected hops ingestion — do not wait for symptoms. Spent hops from home brewing are just as dangerous as fresh.

Hops — H. Zell — Photo by H. ZellWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

Photo by H. ZellWikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

Pet safety reference

Hops

Q: Is Hops safe for cats?

Hops has uncertain toxicity for cats. Because specific feline toxicity data is sparse, it is recommended to keep this plant away from cats and contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

Q: Is Hops safe for dogs?

Hops is potentially toxic to dogs. Hops can cause life-threatening increases in body temperature (malignant hyperthermia) in dogs. This is a medical emergency; contact a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately if ingestion occurs.

Humulus lupulus

Hops are fast-growing perennial vines primarily known for their use in brewing, featuring rough, lobed leaves and papery, cone-like flowers. While popular in gardens, they contain compounds that can cause severe health issues in certain pets.

Check a list

Common HopHumulus lupulus

Light: Full sun
Habit: Vining
Care: High

Safety status

Cats

Uncertain

Identity or evidence quality is not strong enough for a firm answer.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

Sources

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Cats — concern notes

Common signs

Data is limited for cats, but potential risks include gastrointestinal distress or neurological signs similar to other toxic plants.

Escalation note

Because specific feline toxicity data is sparse, it is recommended to keep this plant away from cats and contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Rapid onset of malignant hyperthermia, panting, increased heart rate, abdominal pain, and seizures.

Escalation note

Hops can cause life-threatening increases in body temperature (malignant hyperthermia) in dogs. This is a medical emergency; contact a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately if ingestion occurs.

Safer alternatives

No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.

Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Hops are listed as toxic to dogs, causing malignant hyperthermia.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Humulus lupulus is a vigorous, twining perennial vine often grown for its ornamental cones and brewing utility.

cats safety page dogs safety page My dog ate Hops

Same safety verdict

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Macadamia Nut

Macadamia integrifolia

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Uncertain for cats.

Potentially toxic for dogs.

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