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Pet safety

Is Soft Tree Fern toxic to cats?

Dicksonia antarctica

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists soft tree 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. Dicksonia antarctica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Most true ferns are non-toxic, but this species is not specifically confirmed; the fine trunk and frond fibres can also mechanically irritate. Treat it as uncertain, keep pets away, and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe.

What to do if your cat ate soft tree fern

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

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

Is soft tree fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is soft tree fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists soft tree 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. Dicksonia antarctica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Most true ferns are non-toxic, but this species is not specifically confirmed; the fine trunk and frond fibres can also mechanically irritate. Treat it as uncertain, keep pets away, and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats soft tree fern?

Dicksonia antarctica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Most true ferns are non-toxic, but this species is not specifically confirmed; the fine trunk and frond fibres can also mechanically irritate. Treat it as uncertain, keep pets away, and verify with a vet rather than assuming it is safe. 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 soft tree fern.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to soft tree 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 soft tree fern pet-safety