Are Hops Toxic to Cats? Safety Verdict and What to Do
Learn whether hops pose a toxicity risk to cats, what signs may appear after exposure, and what immediate steps to take if your cat may have been exposed.
Quick Answer
Yes, hops are toxic to cats. Hops toxicity is better documented in dogs but cats may also be affected. Both fresh and spent hops can be dangerous. If your cat may have been exposed, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service right away, even if no signs are visible yet.
Before using any tool, contact a veterinary professional if your cat may have been exposed.
- US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
- UK: Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) or your nearest veterinary emergency clinic
- Canada: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
- AU: Animal Emergency Centre or your regular vet
- EU: Contact your nearest veterinary emergency service
TOXICITY CHECKER
Check whether a substance may be harmful to your pet and get prioritized safety steps.
This tool provides general safety information and does not replace veterinary advice in an emergency.
Safety Verdict
Toxic. Hops contain an unidentified substance that triggers malignant hyperthermia, causing body temperature to rise uncontrollably. This leads to muscle breakdown, organ damage, and potentially death.
Hops toxicity is better documented in dogs but cats may also be affected. Both fresh and spent hops can be dangerous.
What It Is
Hops, both fresh and spent from homebrewing, contain an unidentified substance that triggers malignant hyperthermia, causing body temperature to rise uncontrollably and leading to organ damage.
Why It May Be Harmful
The toxic principle in hops is unidentified compounds in hops. Hops contain an unidentified substance that triggers malignant hyperthermia, causing body temperature to rise uncontrollably. This leads to muscle breakdown, organ damage, and potentially death.
Signs of toxicity may include:
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Elevated heart rate
- High body temperature
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Dark urine
- Collapse
Timeline: Signs typically develop within several hours.
Can be life-threatening. Malignant hyperthermia can cause organ failure and death.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats It
- Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately.
- Remove any remaining substance from your cat's reach.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian.
- Do not give food, milk, charcoal, or home remedies.
- Bring the substance, plant, or packaging for identification.
Information to have ready when you call:
- Your cat's age, approximate weight, and any health conditions
- The name or type of hops and the estimated amount consumed
- When the exposure likely occurred
- Any current symptoms your cat is showing
- The product packaging or a photo of the plant if applicable
Any ingestion should be treated as potentially serious. Do not wait for signs.
When to Contact a Veterinarian
Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately if your cat may have been exposed to hops. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
Emergency signs that require urgent veterinary attention:
- High body temperature
- Panting or rapid breathing
- Muscle tremors or seizures
- Dark urine
- Collapse
Non-urgent follow-up: Any ingestion should be treated as potentially serious. Do not wait for signs.
FAQ
Are both fresh and used hops dangerous?
Yes. Both fresh and spent hops can cause toxicity. Spent hops from homebrewing are a common source of exposure.
How quickly do signs appear?
Signs typically develop within several hours. The most dangerous sign is rapid rise in body temperature.
Can a cat survive hops poisoning?
With prompt treatment including aggressive cooling and supportive care, recovery is possible.
TOXICITY CHECKER
Concerned about another plant, food, medication, or household item around your cat? Get general, species-aware safety information to help you decide your next step.
This tool provides general safety information and does not replace veterinary advice.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual, "Hops Toxicosis," https://www.merckvetmanual.com
- Pet Poison Helpline, "Hops," https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com
Disclaimer
This article and the PawAI Toxicity Checker tool provide general safety information and do not replace examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If your cat may have ingested a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian, emergency clinic, or animal poison control immediately.