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Is Woolly Lip Fern toxic to cats?

Cheilanthes tomentosa

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists woolly lip 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. Cheilanthes tomentosa is not individually assessed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and no toxic principle has been formally documented for this genus. As a precaution for unlisted species, it is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet ingests this plant.

What to do if your cat ate woolly lip fern

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

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

Is woolly lip fern toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is woolly lip fern toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists woolly lip 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. Cheilanthes tomentosa is not individually assessed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and no toxic principle has been formally documented for this genus. As a precaution for unlisted species, it is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet ingests this plant.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats woolly lip fern?

Cheilanthes tomentosa is not individually assessed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and no toxic principle has been formally documented for this genus. As a precaution for unlisted species, it is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet ingests this plant. 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 woolly lip fern.

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

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

What is a cat-safe alternative to woolly lip 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 woolly lip fern pet-safety