Cats
UncertainIdentity or evidence quality is not strong enough for a firm answer.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
cat safety reference
Is Hops safe for cats?
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.
Common HopHumulus lupulus
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Vining
- Care
- High
Safety status
What this means for your cat
Hops are dangerous to cats, even though most reported cases are in dogs. Pet Poison Helpline notes cats can also develop malignant hyperthermia after eating hops — a rapid, life-threatening rise in body temperature — so any feline ingestion of fresh hops, pellets, or spent brewing hops should be treated as an emergency.
What to watch for
Heavy panting, racing heart rate, body temperature exceeding 105°F, restlessness or anxiety, vomiting, and abnormal bleeding or bruising. Severe cases progress to seizures and death.
Time window
Pet Poison Helpline notes clinical signs typically develop within one hour of ingestion but can be delayed up to several hours; without treatment, death has been reported within six hours.
When to call the vet
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.
Sources: Pet Poison Helpline, ASPCA.
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.
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
Same cat verdict
