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Is Resurrection fern toxic to cats?

Pleopeltis polypodioides

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists resurrection 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. Pleopeltis polypodioides is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no member of the Pleopeltis (or synonym Polypodium) genus is listed; the ASPCA's named non-toxic "true ferns" such as Boston, mother, and Japanese holly fern are all different genera, so we cannot confirm it as pet-safe from ASPCA data. Most growers report no toxicity, but because there is no authoritative listing, treat it as mildly toxic and verify with your vet before exposing pets. Do not confuse it with the false rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla), a different plant that can cause stomach upset in cats.

What to do if your cat ate resurrection fern

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

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

Is resurrection fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is resurrection fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists resurrection 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. Pleopeltis polypodioides is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no member of the Pleopeltis (or synonym Polypodium) genus is listed; the ASPCA's named non-toxic "true ferns" such as Boston, mother, and Japanese holly fern are all different genera, so we cannot confirm it as pet-safe from ASPCA data. Most growers report no toxicity, but because there is no authoritative listing, treat it as mildly toxic and verify with your vet before exposing pets. Do not confuse it with the false rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla), a different plant that can cause stomach upset in cats.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats resurrection fern?

Pleopeltis polypodioides is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no member of the Pleopeltis (or synonym Polypodium) genus is listed; the ASPCA's named non-toxic "true ferns" such as Boston, mother, and Japanese holly fern are all different genera, so we cannot confirm it as pet-safe from ASPCA data. Most growers report no toxicity, but because there is no authoritative listing, treat it as mildly toxic and verify with your vet before exposing pets. Do not confuse it with the false rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla), a different plant that can cause stomach upset in cats. 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 resurrection fern.

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

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

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