Is Gardenia Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), also called cape jasmine, is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

The ASPCA lists gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), also called cape jasmine, as toxic to cats and dogs. Its toxic principles are geniposide and gardenoside.

The clinical signs the ASPCA lists are mild: vomiting, diarrhea and hives. Most pets need no treatment beyond watching, but a pet with hives or repeated vomiting should see a vet.

How to recognize it

Gardenia is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green, oval leaves with deep veins, and waxy white flowers that turn creamy yellow as they age. The scent is strong and sweet. After flowering it can produce orange, ribbed fruits. It is sold as a potted plant and grown as a hedge in warm climates.

Signs to watch for

• Mild vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hives (raised itchy bumps on the skin)

What to do

• Remove any flowers or leaves from your pet's mouth and offer water.
• Call your vet if your pet develops hives, facial swelling or vomiting that continues.
• Keep potted gardenias on a high shelf and pick up dropped flowers.

Why is gardenia called jasmine if it is not one?

Gardenia's scientific name, Gardenia jasminoides, means jasmine-like, after its scent, and in English it is often sold as cape jasmine. It is not related to true jasmine (Jasminum), which the ASPCA lists as non-toxic.

If you are choosing a fragrant white-flowered plant for a home with pets, the name on the tag matters. A plant labeled cape jasmine or Gardenia is mildly toxic; one labeled Jasminum is listed as safe.

What do hives look like in a cat or dog?

Hives are raised, often itchy bumps or welts on the skin. On dogs they are easiest to see on the belly, inside the ears and on the muzzle, and they can make the fur stand up in patches. Cats may scratch, over-groom or have swelling around the face.

Mild hives often fade within hours. Facial swelling, swelling around the eyes or lips, or any change in breathing needs a vet right away, because it can be part of a stronger allergic reaction.

What about gardenia fruit and herbal products?

Dried gardenia fruit, known in Chinese as zhizi, is used in East Asian cooking as a yellow colorant and in traditional herbal medicine. Geniposide, one of the compounds the ASPCA lists for this plant, is a major component of the fruit.

There is no veterinary dosing for these products in pets. Do not give a pet herbal remedies that contain gardenia without asking your vet, and keep dried fruit and herbal packets in closed cupboards.

Pet-safe alternatives

Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

• Non-toxicJasmine (Jasminum)
• Non-toxicAfrican violet

Common questions

Is gardenia poisonous to pets?

Cats: Mildly toxic. Dogs: Mildly toxic. Gardenia (cape jasmine) is mildly toxic to cats and dogs and can cause mild vomiting, diarrhea or hives.

Is it safe to keep gardenia in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes, as long as your pets cannot reach it. Keep potted gardenias on a high shelf and pick up dropped flowers.

What should I do if my pet chews gardenia?

Remove any flowers or leaves from your pet's mouth and offer water. Call your vet if your pet develops hives, facial swelling or vomiting that continues.

Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of gardenia?

Jasmine and African violet are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

← All plants

Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).