My Cat Ate Hops: What to Do and Signs to Watch For
Find out what to do right now if your cat ate hops, what signs to monitor for, and when to seek veterinary care.
Quick Answer
If your cat ate hops, contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately. 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. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless instructed by a professional.
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 Hops 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 Hops May Be Harmful to Cats
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.
Can be life-threatening. Malignant hyperthermia can cause organ failure and death.
Signs to Watch For After Your Cat Ate Hops
Monitor your cat for these signs:
- 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.
Emergency signs that require immediate veterinary attention:
- High body temperature
- Panting or rapid breathing
- Muscle tremors or seizures
- Dark urine
- Collapse
The absence of signs does not necessarily mean your cat is safe. Some toxic substances have delayed effects, and internal damage can occur without obvious early symptoms. Veterinary evaluation is recommended after any known exposure to a toxic substance.
What to Do If Your Cat Ate Hops
- 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.
Gather this information before calling:
- Your cat's age, approximate weight, and any existing health conditions
- What your cat ate and how much (estimate if unsure)
- When the exposure occurred
- Any symptoms already present
- The product label, plant identification, or packaging
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 ate hops, as hops are known to be toxic to cats. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
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.