Toxic to cats · Foods

Is Hops toxic to cats?

Extreme severity

Yes. Even a small amount can be life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately.

Symptoms to watch for

  • malignant hyperthermia
  • increased breathing
  • racing heart rate
  • anxiety
  • vomiting
  • abnormal clotting
  • death

How vets treat it

Immediate veterinary intervention is required to manage hyperthermia and provide supportive care; death can occur within 6 hours without treatment.

Why it's dangerous

The exact toxic principle is unknown, but ingestion triggers malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening elevation in body temperature potentially related to essential oils or resins.

Good to know

Hops plugs are typically more toxic than pellets. Certain breeds like Greyhounds and Labradors are at higher risk due to a predisposition to malignant hyperthermia.

Sources

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

More substances toxic to cats

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