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Pet safety

Is Ring Fern toxic to cats?

Paesia scaberula

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ring 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. Paesia scaberula is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No toxic principles have been documented for this New Zealand genus, but the absence of an ASPCA safety listing means the plant cannot be confirmed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Classify as mildly-toxic and prevent pets from ingesting the fronds as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate ring fern

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

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

Is ring fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is ring fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ring 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. Paesia scaberula is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No toxic principles have been documented for this New Zealand genus, but the absence of an ASPCA safety listing means the plant cannot be confirmed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Classify as mildly-toxic and prevent pets from ingesting the fronds as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats ring fern?

Paesia scaberula is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No toxic principles have been documented for this New Zealand genus, but the absence of an ASPCA safety listing means the plant cannot be confirmed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Classify as mildly-toxic and prevent pets from ingesting the fronds as a precaution. 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 ring fern.

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

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

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