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Is Spiny Lady Fern toxic to cats?

Athyrium spinulosum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spiny lady 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. Athyrium spinulosum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. General PFAF notes caution for many ferns as a class — some contain thiaminase (which depletes vitamin B) and unspecified carcinogenic compounds. Until the species is individually evaluated, a mildly-toxic classification is the conservative safe choice; symptoms from incidental nibbling are unlikely but ingestion of large quantities is not advisable for pets.

What to do if your cat ate spiny lady fern

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

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

Is spiny lady fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is spiny lady fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spiny lady 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. Athyrium spinulosum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. General PFAF notes caution for many ferns as a class — some contain thiaminase (which depletes vitamin B) and unspecified carcinogenic compounds. Until the species is individually evaluated, a mildly-toxic classification is the conservative safe choice; symptoms from incidental nibbling are unlikely but ingestion of large quantities is not advisable for pets.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats spiny lady fern?

Athyrium spinulosum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. General PFAF notes caution for many ferns as a class — some contain thiaminase (which depletes vitamin B) and unspecified carcinogenic compounds. Until the species is individually evaluated, a mildly-toxic classification is the conservative safe choice; symptoms from incidental nibbling are unlikely but ingestion of large quantities is not advisable for pets. 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 spiny lady fern.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to spiny lady 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 spiny lady fern pet-safety