Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Autumn Fern toxic to cats?

Dryopteris erythrosora

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists autumn 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. Dryopteris erythrosora is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no member of the genus Dryopteris appears on either ASPCA list. The non-toxic Boston fern is a different genus (Nephrolepis), so we cannot infer safety from it. Treat autumn fern as mildly toxic and verify with your vet before allowing pets to chew it.

What to do if your cat ate autumn fern

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

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

Is autumn fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is autumn fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists autumn 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. Dryopteris erythrosora is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no member of the genus Dryopteris appears on either ASPCA list. The non-toxic Boston fern is a different genus (Nephrolepis), so we cannot infer safety from it. Treat autumn fern as mildly toxic and verify with your vet before allowing pets to chew it.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats autumn fern?

Dryopteris erythrosora is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no member of the genus Dryopteris appears on either ASPCA list. The non-toxic Boston fern is a different genus (Nephrolepis), so we cannot infer safety from it. Treat autumn fern as mildly toxic and verify with your vet before allowing pets to chew it. 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 autumn fern.

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

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

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