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Is Woodsia ilvensis toxic to cats?

Woodsia ilvensis

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists woodsia ilvensis 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. It is a true fern (Woodsiaceae/Cystopteridaceae), and the ASPCA notes most true ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so the risk is considered low. Because the species and genus are not individually ASPCA-verified, treat with caution, discourage nibbling, and consult a vet if your pet eats any.

What to do if your cat ate woodsia ilvensis

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

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

Is woodsia ilvensis toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is woodsia ilvensis toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists woodsia ilvensis 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA. It is a true fern (Woodsiaceae/Cystopteridaceae), and the ASPCA notes most true ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so the risk is considered low. Because the species and genus are not individually ASPCA-verified, treat with caution, discourage nibbling, and consult a vet if your pet eats any.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats woodsia ilvensis?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA. It is a true fern (Woodsiaceae/Cystopteridaceae), and the ASPCA notes most true ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs, so the risk is considered low. Because the species and genus are not individually ASPCA-verified, treat with caution, discourage nibbling, and consult a vet if your pet eats any. 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 woodsia ilvensis.

What should I do if my cat ate woodsia ilvensis?

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 woodsia ilvensis toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Woodsia ilvensis is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full woodsia ilvensis pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to woodsia ilvensis?

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 woodsia ilvensis pet-safety