Holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) is a beautiful houseplant with glossy, dark green leaves. But is holly fern toxic to cats? The answer appears to be yes.
Holly fern contains saponins, which are poisonous to cats if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of holly fern poisoning in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If you suspect your cat has eaten holly fern, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Many people are unsure about whether holly fern is toxic to cats or not. The answer is complicated because it depends on the type of holly fern. Some types of holly ferns are toxic to cats, while others are not.
The most common type of holly fern, English holly (Ilex aquifolium), is actually toxic to cats. Cats who ingest this plant can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. In severe cases, it can lead to liver damage and even death.
Other types of holly ferns, such as Japanese Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) and Korean Holly Fern (Cyrtomium macrophyllum), are not toxic to cats. These plants are safe for your kitty to nibble on without any worry.
If you’re unsure about which type of holly fern you have in your home, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep it out of reach of your cat.
If you think your cat has ingested a holly fern, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment advice.
Is Holly Fern Toxic to Cats
No, holly fern is not toxic to cats.
How Can I Keep My Cat Safe from Holly Fern
Holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) is an evergreen fern that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. It’s a fast-growing, shade-loving fern that can reach up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it a good groundcover or border plant. Holly ferns have dark green, glossy leaves with sharply pointed leaflets arranged in pairs along the leaf stem.
The leaflets have serrated edges and their undersides are covered in rusty brown scales.
While holly ferns are not toxic to cats, the scales on their leaves can cause irritation if your cat rubs against them or eats them. To keep your cat safe from holly ferns, place the plants out of reach or keep them well trimmed so your cat can’t get to the irritating leaves.
What are the Symptoms of Holly Fern Toxicity in Cats
If you think your cat may have ingested holly fern, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of toxicity. The most common symptom is vomiting, which can occur within minutes to hours after ingestion. Other symptoms include diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, and abdominal pain.
If your cat displays any of these symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately as holly fern toxicity can be fatal.
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Conclusion
No, holly fern is not toxic to cats. In fact, it is actually a very popular plant for households with pets because it is so safe. The ASPCA even lists holly ferns as non-toxic to both dogs and cats on their website.
So if you’re looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant to add to your home, holly ferns are a great option!
