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If your cat ate crested bracken — 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.

Crested Bracken is toxic to cats (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My cat ate Crested Bracken — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take crested bracken 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 crested bracken — FAQ

Is crested bracken poisonous to cats?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Crested Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum 'Cristatum') as toxic to cats. ASPCA lists Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern) as toxic. The toxic principles are ptaquiloside (a norsesquiterpene glycoside, carcinogenic and causes bone-marrow aplasia) and thiaminase (destroys vitamin B1). Primarily documented in horses, cattle, and sheep; dogs can also be affected (neurological signs, bone-marrow suppression). Keep away from all pets and livestock.

How serious is it if my cat ate crested bracken?

Crested Bracken is toxic to cats and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA lists Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern) as toxic. The toxic principles are ptaquiloside (a norsesquiterpene glycoside, carcinogenic and causes bone-marrow aplasia) and thiaminase (destroys vitamin B1). Primarily documented in horses, cattle, and sheep; dogs can also be affected (neurological signs, bone-marrow suppression). Keep away from all pets and livestock. 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 crested bracken well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best cats-safe plants list.

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