Is Nahanni Fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists nahanni 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. Gymnocarpium jessoense is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database. It is a true fern with no recognised toxic principle; related Gymnocarpium species are generally considered non-toxic, but because this species lacks an individual ASPCA listing, treat it with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe for pets.

Gymnocarpium jessoense is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database. It is a true fern with no recognised toxic principle; related Gymnocarpium species are generally considered non-toxic, but because this species lacks an individual ASPCA listing, treat it with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe for 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 nahanni 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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Nahanni Fern is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full nahanni fern 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.