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Is Forked Spleenwort toxic to cats?

Asplenium septentrionale

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists forked 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 septentrionale is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As with other Asplenium species not individually assessed, a mildly-toxic precautionary classification is used in line with general fern-class cautions (thiaminase content, unconfirmed carcinogenic compounds per PFAF). Incidental contact or minor nibbling is unlikely to cause serious harm, but ingestion should be discouraged.

What to do if your cat ate forked spleenwort

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

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

Is forked spleenwort toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is forked spleenwort toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists forked 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 septentrionale is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As with other Asplenium species not individually assessed, a mildly-toxic precautionary classification is used in line with general fern-class cautions (thiaminase content, unconfirmed carcinogenic compounds per PFAF). Incidental contact or minor nibbling is unlikely to cause serious harm, but ingestion should be discouraged.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats forked spleenwort?

Asplenium septentrionale is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As with other Asplenium species not individually assessed, a mildly-toxic precautionary classification is used in line with general fern-class cautions (thiaminase content, unconfirmed carcinogenic compounds per PFAF). Incidental contact or minor nibbling is unlikely to cause serious harm, but ingestion should be discouraged. 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 forked spleenwort.

What should I do if my cat ate forked 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 forked spleenwort toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to forked 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 forked spleenwort pet-safety