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Is Hairy Lip Fern toxic to cats?

Cheilanthes lanosa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hairy lip 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. Cheilanthes lanosa is not individually assessed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and no toxic principle has been formally documented for this species. As a precaution — and in keeping with guidance to avoid assuming safety for unlisted species — it is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet has ingested significant amounts.

What to do if your cat ate hairy lip fern

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

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

Is hairy lip fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is hairy lip fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hairy lip 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. Cheilanthes lanosa is not individually assessed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and no toxic principle has been formally documented for this species. As a precaution — and in keeping with guidance to avoid assuming safety for unlisted species — it is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet has ingested significant amounts.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats hairy lip fern?

Cheilanthes lanosa is not individually assessed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and no toxic principle has been formally documented for this species. As a precaution — and in keeping with guidance to avoid assuming safety for unlisted species — it is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet has ingested significant amounts. 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 hairy lip fern.

What should I do if my cat ate hairy lip 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 hairy lip fern toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hairy Lip Fern is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full hairy lip fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to hairy lip 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 hairy lip fern pet-safety