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Is Bird's Foot Fern toxic to cats?

Pellaea mucronata

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bird's foot 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. Pellaea mucronata is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The closely related Pellaea rotundifolia (cliff brake) is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Because P. mucronata itself has not received individual ASPCA confirmation, it is conservatively classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet ingests this plant.

What to do if your cat ate bird's foot fern

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

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

Is bird's foot fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bird's foot fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bird's foot 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. Pellaea mucronata is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The closely related Pellaea rotundifolia (cliff brake) is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Because P. mucronata itself has not received individual ASPCA confirmation, it is conservatively classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet ingests this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bird's foot fern?

Pellaea mucronata is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The closely related Pellaea rotundifolia (cliff brake) is ASPCA-listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Because P. mucronata itself has not received individual ASPCA confirmation, it is conservatively classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet ingests this plant. 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 bird's foot fern.

What should I do if my cat ate bird's foot 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 bird's foot fern toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bird's Foot Fern is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bird's foot fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bird's foot 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 bird's foot fern pet-safety