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If your cat ate black spleenwort — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Black Spleenwort is mildly toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Black Spleenwort — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take black spleenwort away and remove any plant material from your cat's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My cat ate black spleenwort — FAQ

Is black spleenwort poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum) as mildly toxic to cats. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. PFAF notes that a number of ferns as a class may contain carcinogens and thiaminase (a vitamin B-depleting enzyme); until this species is individually evaluated, a mildly-toxic precautionary classification is appropriate. The closely related Asplenium bulbiferum is non-toxic per ASPCA, but cross-species extrapolation is not confirmable.

How serious is it if my cat ate black spleenwort?

Black Spleenwort is mildly toxic, so most cats get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your cat ate a lot or symptoms persist.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. PFAF notes that a number of ferns as a class may contain carcinogens and thiaminase (a vitamin B-depleting enzyme); until this species is individually evaluated, a mildly-toxic precautionary classification is appropriate. The closely related Asplenium bulbiferum is non-toxic per ASPCA, but cross-species extrapolation is not confirmable. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my cat vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep black spleenwort well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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