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Is Rigid Buckler Fern toxic to cats?

Dryopteris submontana

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rigid buckler 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. Dryopteris submontana is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As a precaution consistent with unlisted Dryopteris species, treat as mildly-toxic: ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs; consult a vet if a significant amount is consumed.

What to do if your cat ate rigid buckler fern

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

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

Is rigid buckler fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is rigid buckler fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rigid buckler 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. Dryopteris submontana is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As a precaution consistent with unlisted Dryopteris species, treat as mildly-toxic: ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs; consult a vet if a significant amount is consumed.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats rigid buckler fern?

Dryopteris submontana is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As a precaution consistent with unlisted Dryopteris species, treat as mildly-toxic: ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs; consult a vet if a significant amount is consumed. 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 rigid buckler fern.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to rigid buckler 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 rigid buckler fern pet-safety