Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Lowland Brittle Fern toxic to cats?

Cystopteris protrusa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lowland brittle 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. Cystopteris protrusa is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Some fern species contain thiaminase or irritant compounds; out of caution this species is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your cat ate lowland brittle fern

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

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

Is lowland brittle fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is lowland brittle fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lowland brittle 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. Cystopteris protrusa is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Some fern species contain thiaminase or irritant compounds; out of caution this species is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats lowland brittle fern?

Cystopteris protrusa is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Some fern species contain thiaminase or irritant compounds; out of caution this species is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 lowland brittle fern.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to lowland brittle 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 lowland brittle fern pet-safety