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Is Red-stemmed Sensitive Fern toxic to cats?

Onoclea sensibilis 'Rotstiel'

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red-stemmed sensitive 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. Onoclea sensibilis is reported in several horticultural toxicology references as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; all parts of the plant are considered potentially harmful and ingestion may cause gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea. It does not appear on the ASPCA confirmed non-toxic list. Keep pets away from the plant.

What to do if your cat ate red-stemmed sensitive fern

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

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

Is red-stemmed sensitive fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is red-stemmed sensitive fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists red-stemmed sensitive 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. Onoclea sensibilis is reported in several horticultural toxicology references as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; all parts of the plant are considered potentially harmful and ingestion may cause gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea. It does not appear on the ASPCA confirmed non-toxic list. Keep pets away from the plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats red-stemmed sensitive fern?

Onoclea sensibilis is reported in several horticultural toxicology references as mildly toxic to cats and dogs; all parts of the plant are considered potentially harmful and ingestion may cause gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea. It does not appear on the ASPCA confirmed non-toxic list. Keep pets away from the plant. 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 red-stemmed sensitive fern.

What should I do if my cat ate red-stemmed sensitive 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 red-stemmed sensitive fern toxic to dogs too?

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to red-stemmed sensitive 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 red-stemmed sensitive fern pet-safety