Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Dryopteris filix-mas 'Linearis Polydactyla' toxic to cats?

Dryopteris filix-mas 'Linearis Polydactyla'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla' 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. Most true ferns are non-toxic, but Dryopteris filix-mas (male fern) is an exception: its rhizome contains filicin and related compounds historically used as a dewormer and known to be toxic if ingested in quantity. It is not on the ASPCA non-toxic list; treat as mildly toxic, keep pets and children from eating it, and verify with a vet if ingested.

What to do if your cat ate dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla'

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla' 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 dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla' toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla' 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. Most true ferns are non-toxic, but Dryopteris filix-mas (male fern) is an exception: its rhizome contains filicin and related compounds historically used as a dewormer and known to be toxic if ingested in quantity. It is not on the ASPCA non-toxic list; treat as mildly toxic, keep pets and children from eating it, and verify with a vet if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla'?

Most true ferns are non-toxic, but Dryopteris filix-mas (male fern) is an exception: its rhizome contains filicin and related compounds historically used as a dewormer and known to be toxic if ingested in quantity. It is not on the ASPCA non-toxic list; treat as mildly toxic, keep pets and children from eating it, and verify with a vet if ingested. 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 dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla'.

What should I do if my cat ate dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla'?

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 dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla' toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dryopteris filix-mas 'Linearis Polydactyla' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla'?

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 dryopteris filix-mas 'linearis polydactyla' pet-safety