Is Gymnocarpium dryopteris 'Plumosum' toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists gymnocarpium dryopteris 'plumosum' 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. Gymnocarpium (oak fern) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plant database for cats, dogs, or horses, so its status is unconfirmed. While many true ferns are non-toxic, this genus is unlisted; treat it with caution, keep pets from grazing it, and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe.

Gymnocarpium (oak fern) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plant database for cats, dogs, or horses, so its status is unconfirmed. While many true ferns are non-toxic, this genus is unlisted; treat it with caution, keep pets from grazing it, and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe. 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 gymnocarpium dryopteris 'plumosum'.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Gymnocarpium dryopteris 'Plumosum' is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full gymnocarpium dryopteris 'plumosum' pet-safety guide for both species.

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.