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Pet safety

Is Parsley Fern toxic to cats?

Cryptogramma crispa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists parsley 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. Cryptogramma is not assessed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and there are no published studies on toxicity to pets. Out of caution — and consistent with the principle of classifying unverified species as mildly-toxic rather than pet-safe — this species is given a precautionary mildly-toxic rating. No specific toxic principle is known. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate parsley fern

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

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

Is parsley fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is parsley fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists parsley 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. Cryptogramma is not assessed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and there are no published studies on toxicity to pets. Out of caution — and consistent with the principle of classifying unverified species as mildly-toxic rather than pet-safe — this species is given a precautionary mildly-toxic rating. No specific toxic principle is known. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats parsley fern?

Cryptogramma is not assessed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and there are no published studies on toxicity to pets. Out of caution — and consistent with the principle of classifying unverified species as mildly-toxic rather than pet-safe — this species is given a precautionary mildly-toxic rating. No specific toxic principle is known. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs. 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 parsley fern.

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

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

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