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Pet safety

Is Killarney Fern toxic to cats?

Vandenboschia speciosa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists killarney 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. Vandenboschia speciosa (syn. Trichomanes speciosum) is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No toxic principles have been reported for this genus or family, but the absence of an ASPCA safety confirmation means the plant cannot be certified as pet-safe. Classify as mildly-toxic and keep away from pets.

What to do if your cat ate killarney fern

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

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

Is killarney fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is killarney fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists killarney 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. Vandenboschia speciosa (syn. Trichomanes speciosum) is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No toxic principles have been reported for this genus or family, but the absence of an ASPCA safety confirmation means the plant cannot be certified as pet-safe. Classify as mildly-toxic and keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats killarney fern?

Vandenboschia speciosa (syn. Trichomanes speciosum) is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No toxic principles have been reported for this genus or family, but the absence of an ASPCA safety confirmation means the plant cannot be certified as pet-safe. Classify as mildly-toxic and keep away from pets. 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 killarney fern.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to killarney 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 killarney fern pet-safety