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Is American Climbing Fern toxic to cats?

Lygodium palmatum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists american climbing fern as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Lygodium palmatum is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The genus Lygodium has no well-documented toxic principles for cats or dogs in the veterinary literature, but the absence of an ASPCA safety listing means pet-safe status cannot be confirmed. Classify as mildly-toxic and prevent ingestion by pets as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate american climbing fern

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move american climbing fern out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of american climbing fern to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten american climbing fern, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is american climbing fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is american climbing fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists american climbing fern as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Lygodium palmatum is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The genus Lygodium has no well-documented toxic principles for cats or dogs in the veterinary literature, but the absence of an ASPCA safety listing means pet-safe status cannot be confirmed. Classify as mildly-toxic and prevent ingestion by pets as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats american climbing fern?

Lygodium palmatum is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The genus Lygodium has no well-documented toxic principles for cats or dogs in the veterinary literature, but the absence of an ASPCA safety listing means pet-safe status cannot be confirmed. Classify as mildly-toxic and prevent ingestion by pets as a precaution. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to american climbing fern.

What should I do if my cat ate american climbing fern?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is american climbing fern toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: American Climbing Fern is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full american climbing fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to american climbing fern?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full american climbing fern pet-safety