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Is Microsorum pteropus toxic to cats?

Microsorum pteropus

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists microsorum pteropus 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. Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) is not individually listed by the ASPCA. While most true ferns are non-toxic, this species is unverified, so treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming pet-safe. As a submerged aquatic, pet exposure is in any case minimal.

What to do if your cat ate microsorum pteropus

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

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

Is microsorum pteropus toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is microsorum pteropus toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists microsorum pteropus 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. Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) is not individually listed by the ASPCA. While most true ferns are non-toxic, this species is unverified, so treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming pet-safe. As a submerged aquatic, pet exposure is in any case minimal.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats microsorum pteropus?

Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) is not individually listed by the ASPCA. While most true ferns are non-toxic, this species is unverified, so treat with caution and verify with a vet rather than assuming pet-safe. As a submerged aquatic, pet exposure is in any case minimal. 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 microsorum pteropus.

What should I do if my cat ate microsorum pteropus?

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 microsorum pteropus toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Microsorum pteropus is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full microsorum pteropus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to microsorum pteropus?

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 microsorum pteropus pet-safety