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Is Black Spleenwort toxic to cats?

Asplenium adiantum-nigrum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black spleenwort 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. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. PFAF notes that a number of ferns as a class may contain carcinogens and thiaminase (a vitamin B-depleting enzyme); until this species is individually evaluated, a mildly-toxic precautionary classification is appropriate. The closely related Asplenium bulbiferum is non-toxic per ASPCA, but cross-species extrapolation is not confirmable.

What to do if your cat ate black spleenwort

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

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

Is black spleenwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is black spleenwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists black spleenwort 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. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. PFAF notes that a number of ferns as a class may contain carcinogens and thiaminase (a vitamin B-depleting enzyme); until this species is individually evaluated, a mildly-toxic precautionary classification is appropriate. The closely related Asplenium bulbiferum is non-toxic per ASPCA, but cross-species extrapolation is not confirmable.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats black spleenwort?

Asplenium adiantum-nigrum is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. PFAF notes that a number of ferns as a class may contain carcinogens and thiaminase (a vitamin B-depleting enzyme); until this species is individually evaluated, a mildly-toxic precautionary classification is appropriate. The closely related Asplenium bulbiferum is non-toxic per ASPCA, but cross-species extrapolation is not confirmable. 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 black spleenwort.

What should I do if my cat ate black spleenwort?

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 black spleenwort toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Black Spleenwort is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full black spleenwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to black spleenwort?

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 black spleenwort pet-safety