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Is Wilson's Filmy Fern toxic to cats?

Hymenophyllum wilsonii

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wilson's filmy 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. Hymenophyllum wilsonii is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No toxic principles are documented for the genus, but the absence of an ASPCA safety listing means the plant cannot be confirmed as pet-safe. Classify as mildly-toxic and keep out of reach of cats and dogs as a precaution.

What to do if your cat ate wilson's filmy fern

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

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

Is wilson's filmy fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is wilson's filmy fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wilson's filmy 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. Hymenophyllum wilsonii is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No toxic principles are documented for the genus, but the absence of an ASPCA safety listing means the plant cannot be confirmed as pet-safe. Classify as mildly-toxic and keep out of reach of cats and dogs as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats wilson's filmy fern?

Hymenophyllum wilsonii is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. No toxic principles are documented for the genus, but the absence of an ASPCA safety listing means the plant cannot be confirmed as pet-safe. Classify as mildly-toxic and keep out of reach of cats and dogs 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 wilson's filmy fern.

What should I do if my cat ate wilson's filmy 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 wilson's filmy fern toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Wilson's Filmy Fern is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full wilson's filmy fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to wilson's filmy 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 wilson's filmy fern pet-safety