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Is Asparagus fern toxic to cats?

Asparagus aethiopicus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists asparagus 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. ASPCA lists Asparagus densiflorus as toxic to cats and dogs due to sapogenins. Berries can cause vomiting and diarrhoea; skin contact causes dermatitis.

What to do if your cat ate asparagus fern

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move asparagus 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 asparagus fern to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is asparagus fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is asparagus fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists asparagus 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. ASPCA lists Asparagus densiflorus as toxic to cats and dogs due to sapogenins. Berries can cause vomiting and diarrhoea; skin contact causes dermatitis.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats asparagus fern?

ASPCA lists Asparagus densiflorus as toxic to cats and dogs due to sapogenins. Berries can cause vomiting and diarrhoea; skin contact causes dermatitis. 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 asparagus fern.

What should I do if my cat ate asparagus 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 asparagus fern toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to asparagus 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 asparagus fern pet-safety